Pastrami

Pastrami is cured, seasoned, and smoked beef — typically made from brisket or round. It is a popular deli meat used in sandwiches and wraps. Like other cured and smoked meats, pastrami is not cooked at high enough temperatures during production to eliminate all bacteria, which is why it falls under general deli meat guidance. NHS guidance states that deli meats including pastrami are safe to eat during pregnancy, but many health professionals recommend heating it until steaming hot as an extra precaution against Listeria. Listeria monocytogenes can grow in cold, ready-to-eat meats stored in the fridge, and infection during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, premature birth, or serious illness in the newborn — even when the mother feels only mildly unwell. Heating pastrami in a hot sandwich, on a panini press, in a wrap in the microwave, or as part of a hot dish eliminates this risk. If you want to eat it cold in a deli-style sandwich, the NHS says this is acceptable. The US FDA advises heating all deli meats first, which is a more cautious position than the NHS. Pastrami is high in sodium — most sliced portions contain significant salt, so it is best enjoyed as an occasional food.