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Is Rare or undercooked meat safe in pregnancy?
Best avoided
Meat should be cooked through with no pink or red remaining.
What the evidence says
All meat — especially poultry, pork, sausages, burgers, and minced meat — should be cooked thoroughly until steaming hot with no pink or red colour remaining. Beef steak can be rare if it is a whole cut (not minced), but many midwives advise caution and recommend well-done during pregnancy.
Why this matters
Undercooked meat can contain Toxoplasma parasites, Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. Pregnancy raises the risks of these infections.
Source:NHS guidance on meat in pregnancy
Last reviewed:April 2026
Please note — This is general guidance based on NHS advice as of April 2026. It is not medical advice. For advice on your specific pregnancy, please speak to your midwife or GP.
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