Can I eat ceviche while pregnant?

US pregnancy food safety guidance. Educational only.

What Guidelines Say

FDA and ACOG guidelines recommend avoiding raw ceviche due to risks of foodborne illness and parasites during pregnancy.

Read more details

According to the FDA and ACOG, traditional ceviche is prepared by marinating raw fish or shellfish in citrus juice. While the citric acid alters the protein structure of the seafood, it does not involve heat and is insufficient to eliminate harmful pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, or parasites like Anisakis. Pregnant individuals are significantly more susceptible to foodborne illnesses, which can lead to severe complications including miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm labor. Guidelines specify that all seafood must be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to be considered safe for consumption. Furthermore, certain fish frequently used in ceviche may contain high levels of mercury, which can negatively impact fetal brain development. Consequently, medical consensus categorizes raw or acid-marinated seafood as a high-risk food to be avoided throughout all stages of pregnancy.

Avoid

Raw Seafood Dishes

Caution

Avoid raw seafood dishes like ceviche during pregnancy.

Safe Options

Fully Cooked Seafood

Expert Pick

Baked or Grilled Fish

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Updated: Jan 2026 Sources: People at Risk: Pregnant Women | FoodSafety.gov +4

Safer Choices

Fully Cooked Seafood

Opt for seafood cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), which effectively eliminates harmful pathogens.

Baked or Grilled Fish

Choose low-mercury fish like salmon or tilapia, ensuring they are thoroughly cooked.

Canned Fish

Canned light tuna, salmon, or sardines are safe options when consumed in moderation.

Seafood Stews or Soups

Dishes where seafood is cooked thoroughly in broth or sauce are safe alternatives.

Fully Cooked Shrimp Ceviche

Shrimp boiled to an internal temperature of 145°F before being chilled and marinated in citrus juice.

Pasteurized Seafood Options

Commercially pasteurized crab meat or shrimp products that have undergone heat treatment to eliminate bacteria.

Plant-Based Ceviche

Preparations using hearts of palm, mushrooms, or cauliflower as a seafood substitute, provided all vegetables are thoroughly washed.

Cooked White Fish Salad

Low-mercury fish like tilapia or cod baked to 145°F, then flaked and tossed with traditional ceviche ingredients.

Risks & Limits

Raw Seafood Dishes

Avoid ceviche, sushi, sashimi, and raw oysters due to the risk of bacterial and parasitic infections.

High-Mercury Fish

Limit consumption of fish high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, to prevent potential harm to fetal development.

Raw or Acid-Marinated Seafood

Traditional ceviche made with raw sea bass, snapper, or scallops, as the acid does not kill parasites or Listeria.

High-Mercury Fish Varieties

Species such as king mackerel, shark, swordfish, or tilefish, which pose neurodevelopmental risks even if cooked.

Key Points from Health Guidelines

Based on FoodSafety.gov, Mayo Clinic, FDA published guidance

1

Avoid raw seafood dishes like ceviche during pregnancy.
2

Ensure all seafood is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
3

Choose low-mercury fish options.
4

Consume 8-12 ounces of cooked, low-mercury fish per week.
5

Use pasteurized juices in food preparation.
6

Practice good food hygiene to prevent cross-contamination.
7

Consult healthcare providers for personalized dietary advice.

Common Questions

Is it safe to eat ceviche during the first trimester?

No, consuming ceviche at any stage of pregnancy, including the first trimester, is not recommended due to the risk of listeriosis and other foodborne illnesses.

Can I eat cooked ceviche during pregnancy?

Traditional ceviche involves raw seafood; however, if the seafood is fully cooked to 145°F (63°C) before marinating, it is considered safe.

What are the main risks of eating raw seafood like ceviche while pregnant?

The primary risks include exposure to harmful bacteria and parasites, leading to infections such as listeriosis, which can cause severe complications for both mother and fetus.

What are safer alternatives to ceviche during pregnancy?

Safer alternatives include fully cooked seafood dishes like baked or grilled fish, seafood stews, and canned fish options.

How should seafood be prepared to ensure safety during pregnancy?

Seafood should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to effectively eliminate harmful pathogens.

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