Can I eat shawarma while pregnant?
Enjoying shawarma during pregnancy requires ensuring the meat is thoroughly cooked and served steaming hot.
Emily · mom-to-be
Grounded in ACOG, FDA & NHS guidance
Mama, when you're craving shawarma, it's really important to make sure the meat is fully cooked through and served hot to reduce any risks. Guidelines from the FDA, CDC, and NHS advise that pregnant women are more susceptible to listeriosis, which can be serious for your pregnancy, and undercooked meat can also pose a risk of toxoplasmosis. Shawarma meat, especially if it's considered a "deli meat" or cold cut if not reheated properly, needs to reach a safe internal temperature, like 165°F (74°C) for chicken and 160°F for beef, to kill harmful bacteria like Listeria.
If your shawarma is carved fresh and steaming hot from the rotisserie, it's generally considered safer as it reaches those high temperatures during cooking. Just be mindful of any accompanying sauces, as some might contain raw egg whites, which should be avoided.
Always check with your OB for personalized advice, mama.
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