Understanding the Risks - Cured and Smoked Foods in Pregnancy and Beyond

You should limit your intake of smoked and cured foods, such as pepperoni and hot dogs, whether you're pregnant or not.

There is evidence that when consumed in large amounts, cured foods can increase the risk of cancer.

The nitrates used as preservatives in those foods are the problem. In your body, nitrates are converted to nitrosamines, a potential carcinogen.

Another reason to limit those foods is they're not very nutritious; they are very high in fat and sodium.

So I would save them for occasions and not every day.

I wouldn't eat them more than once a month.

There have also been a few cases of listeriosis related to consumption of smoked fish.