Deli Salads During Pregnancy: Potato, Chicken, Tuna, Egg Salad and Coleslaw
CDC lists premade deli salads like coleslaw, potato, tuna, chicken and egg salad as riskier in pregnancy, and homemade versions as safer. Here's why.
The short answer: Choose homemade over premade. CDC's pregnancy chart lists premade deli salads, such as coleslaw, potato salad, tuna salad, chicken salad, and egg salad, as riskier choices, and homemade deli salads as the safer choice.
Why are store deli salads riskier?
CDC's Listeria prevention page lists premade deli salads among foods more likely to be contaminated with Listeria, and pregnant women among the groups at higher risk.
Can you eat chicken salad while pregnant?
Homemade chicken salad is CDC's safer choice. Cook chicken to 165°F, per CDC, and keep the salad cold. Use store-bought mayonnaise; the FDA says commercial mayonnaise contains pasteurized eggs. See our mayonnaise guide.
Is tuna salad safe during pregnancy?
Homemade tuna salad made with canned light tuna fits CDC's safer choices; CDC lists canned fish and canned light tuna as safer. Our low-mercury fish guide covers how much tuna.
What about egg salad and potato salad?
Homemade versions are safer. For egg salad, CDC advises eggs cooked until the yolks and whites are firm. Keep any salad out of the fridge no longer than FDA's two-hour rule (1 hour above 90°F).
Is coleslaw OK when pregnant?
Premade deli coleslaw is on CDC's riskier list; homemade coleslaw made with washed cabbage is safer. See our produce washing guide and the coleslaw dressing food page.
Common questions
How long does homemade chicken or egg salad keep?
FDA's two-hour rule covers how long it can sit out. For fridge life, follow FDA's refrigerator storage chart linked from its ready-to-eat guidance.
Sources: CDC safer food choices for pregnant women, CDC preventing Listeria, FDA ready-to-eat foods for moms-to-be, and FDA dairy and eggs for moms-to-be. This guide is educational and does not replace prenatal care.