Muka · Pregnancy guide
Can I eat raw fish (sushi, sashimi, ceviche) while pregnant?
Updated June 2026 · based on NHS and official food-safety guidance
Raw fish can carry parasites and bacteria like Listeria that thorough cooking destroys, which is why the FDA and ACOG advise avoiding sushi, sashimi and ceviche made with raw or undercooked fish during pregnancy. The NHS takes a different line: in the UK it's considered safe to eat sushi made with raw or lightly cooked fish if the fish was frozen first, since freezing kills parasitic worms (EU and UK rules require freezing raw fish for sushi). Either way, skip raw shellfish and cold-smoked or cured fish, and limit high-mercury species like tuna.
Craving a sushi roll or a bowl of ceviche and not sure if it's off-limits now that you're pregnant? The honest answer is that it depends on which guidance you follow, because UK and US health bodies genuinely disagree on raw fish. This page lays out both, item by item, so you can decide with confidence. We cover what's reassuringly fine (cooked rolls, vegetable maki), what needs a second look, and what's worth skipping for now, based on NHS, FDA and ACOG advice. For a specific product, the Muka app gives you a verdict in 3 seconds by barcode scan or photo.
Raw fish dishes, item by item
| Dish | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked sushi rolls (cooked salmon, eel, tempura, California roll with cooked crab) and vegetable maki | Safe | Fully cooked or vegetarian sushi is safe in both the UK and US. Cooking kills any parasites and bacteria, so these are a reassuring choice anywhere. |
| Raw fish sushi or sashimi in the UK (salmon or tuna nigiri from a reputable restaurant) | In moderation | The NHS says raw-fish sushi is fine if the fish was frozen first, which UK rules require. Choose a trusted source and still mind tuna's mercury limits. |
| Raw fish sushi or sashimi in the US | Avoid | The FDA and ACOG advise pregnant people to avoid all raw and undercooked fish, as it is more likely to carry parasites or bacteria than cooked fish. |
| Ceviche (raw fish 'cooked' only in citrus juice) | Avoid | Acid changes the texture but does not heat the fish or reliably kill bacteria and parasites, so ceviche counts as raw fish and is best avoided in pregnancy. |
| Cold-smoked or cured fish (smoked salmon, gravlax, lox), including in sushi | Avoid | These are not heated enough to kill Listeria, which can cause listeriosis and harm the baby. Safe only when cooked until steaming hot (165F/74C). |
| Raw shellfish (oysters, raw prawns, scallops, clams) | Avoid | Raw shellfish can carry harmful bacteria, viruses and toxins causing food poisoning. Cooked shellfish is fine; raw is off-limits in both the UK and US. |
| High-mercury fish (swordfish, king mackerel, marlin, shark) | Avoid | These species are high in mercury, which can harm a baby's developing nervous system, so they are best avoided whether raw or cooked. |
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Download Muka on the App StoreFrequently asked questions
Can I eat sushi while pregnant in the UK?
Yes. The NHS says you can eat sushi made with raw or lightly cooked fish in pregnancy, as long as the fish was frozen first to kill any parasitic worms. UK rules require this freezing for raw fish used in sushi, so reputable outlets comply. Still avoid raw shellfish and cold-smoked fish.
Why does the US say no sushi when the UK says yes?
The FDA and ACOG take a more cautious, blanket approach, advising against all raw and undercooked fish because it can carry parasites or bacteria. The NHS instead relies on mandatory freezing rules that kill parasitic worms in raw fish. Both aim to keep you safe; they just weigh the risks differently.
Is ceviche safe to eat during pregnancy?
No, ceviche is best avoided. Although the fish looks opaque and 'cooked', the citrus juice only changes its texture and does not heat it or reliably kill bacteria and parasites. Both UK and US guidance treat ceviche as raw fish, so save it for after birth.
I ate raw fish sushi before I knew I was pregnant, should I worry?
Try not to panic. A single serving of raw fish is unlikely to cause harm, especially from a reputable source where the fish was frozen first. Keep an eye out for fever, vomiting or diarrhoea, and contact your midwife or doctor if you feel unwell or have any concerns.
Which sushi is safe to eat while pregnant?
Cooked options are safe everywhere: cooked salmon, eel, tempura prawn, fully cooked California rolls, and vegetable maki like cucumber or avocado. These avoid the raw-fish and Listeria concerns entirely. If you want raw fish, follow your local guidance and choose a trusted, high-quality source.
How much tuna can I eat in pregnancy?
Tuna is higher in mercury, so the NHS advises no more than 2 tuna steaks (about 140g cooked each) or 4 medium cans per week. This applies whether the tuna is raw in sushi or cooked. Choosing a lower-mercury fish like salmon for sushi is a sensible swap.
Sources
- NHS — Foods to avoid in pregnancy: nhs.uk
See also: how Muka works, the pregnancy food scanner that answers “can I eat this while pregnant?”.