Can I eat california rolls while pregnant?

US pregnancy food safety guidance. Educational only.

What Guidelines Say

California rolls with cooked imitation crab are generally safe during pregnancy; ensure all ingredients are fully cooked.

Read more details

California rolls are generally considered safe during pregnancy because the primary protein, imitation crab (surimi), is a cooked and pasteurized product typically made from white fish like pollock. According to FDA and ACOG guidelines, pregnant women can safely consume 8 to 12 ounces of low-mercury cooked seafood per week. Since California rolls do not contain raw fish, they do not pose the same parasite or bacterial risks as traditional sashimi. However, the primary concern involves cross-contamination in restaurants where raw fish is prepared on the same surfaces or with the same utensils as cooked items. To ensure safety, guidelines suggest confirming that the establishment follows strict hygiene protocols or choosing vegetarian options. Additionally, keeping the rolls refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C) prevents the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can pose serious risks during pregnancy.

Avoid

Raw Fish Sushi

Caution

Verify that all seafood in sushi is fully cooked.

Safe Options

Cooked Sushi Rolls

Expert Pick

Vegetable Rolls

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Updated: Jan 2026 Sources: Eating Out & Bringing In +4

Safer Choices

Cooked Sushi Rolls

Opt for rolls made with fully cooked seafood, such as shrimp tempura rolls, to reduce the risk of foodborne pathogens.

Vegetable Rolls

Choose rolls filled with cooked or pickled vegetables to avoid potential contamination from raw produce.

Egg Rolls (Tamago)

Select sushi rolls containing cooked egg (tamago) for a protein-rich option without the risks associated with raw fish.

Avocado Rolls

Enjoy rolls with avocado, ensuring that all other ingredients are cooked and the preparation area is clean.

Fully Cooked Eel Rolls (Unagi)

Eel is typically served cooked and can be a safe choice when prepared properly.

Fully cooked imitation crab

Ensure the surimi is pasteurized and handled according to food safety standards to eliminate bacterial risks.

Vegetarian sushi rolls

Options like cucumber, avocado, or sweet potato rolls eliminate seafood-borne illness risks entirely.

Homemade California rolls

Preparing rolls at home allows for total control over ingredient freshness, vegetable washing, and kitchen sanitation.

Tempura-based rolls

Seafood that is battered and deep-fried to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is considered safe by the FDA.

Risks & Limits

Raw Fish Sushi

Avoid sushi containing raw fish due to the risk of parasites and bacteria that can harm both mother and fetus. (fda.gov)

High-Mercury Fish

Limit consumption of fish high in mercury, such as king mackerel and swordfish, as mercury can affect fetal development. (fda.gov)

Unpasteurized Ingredients

Avoid sushi made with unpasteurized dairy products or raw eggs to prevent exposure to harmful bacteria.

Cross-Contaminated Foods

Be cautious of sushi prepared in environments where raw fish is handled to prevent cross-contamination.

Cross-contaminated preparation areas

Avoid rolls prepared on boards or with knives previously used for raw fish like tuna or salmon to prevent bacterial transfer.

High-mercury fish additions

Limit rolls containing supplemental fish like king mackerel or bigeye tuna to avoid potential developmental risks from mercury.

Key Points from Health Guidelines

Based on FDA, Mayo Clinic published guidance

1

Verify that all seafood in sushi is fully cooked.
2

Ensure vegetables are thoroughly washed and, if possible, cooked.
3

Confirm that mayonnaise and other condiments are made with pasteurized eggs.
4

Choose reputable restaurants with high hygiene standards.
5

Avoid sushi containing raw fish or high-mercury species.
6

Consume sushi promptly and store leftovers properly to prevent bacterial growth.
7

Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice during pregnancy.

Common Questions

Is it safe to eat California rolls during the first trimester?

Yes, if all ingredients are fully cooked and prepared in a sanitary environment, California rolls can be safe during the first trimester.

How often can I eat California rolls while pregnant?

Consuming fully cooked sushi like California rolls occasionally is generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, it's important to maintain a balanced diet and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

What are the main risks of eating sushi during pregnancy?

The primary risks include exposure to harmful bacteria and parasites from raw or undercooked seafood, and potential mercury exposure from certain fish species, which can affect fetal development. (fda.gov)

Are there safer alternatives to California rolls during pregnancy?

Yes, options like vegetable rolls, cooked shrimp rolls, or egg rolls (tamago) are safer alternatives as they contain fully cooked ingredients.

How should sushi be prepared to be safe during pregnancy?

Ensure all seafood is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), vegetables are thoroughly washed, and all ingredients are handled in a clean environment to minimize contamination risks.

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