can I eat crab?
Cooked crab is safe to eat during pregnancy, including both white and brown meat, and there's no need to limit how much you eat. Only raw crab — rare outside speciality dishes — should be avoided.
why it matters
Crab is low in mercury and, once cooked, carries little risk. Older UK advice suggested limiting brown crab meat, but current NHS guidance says there's no need to restrict it. As with all shellfish, the concern is only with raw or undercooked meat.
how to have it safely
Eat crab that's been cooked through — dressed crab, crab cakes, crab pasta and crab sandwiches from chilled, in-date sources are all fine. Imitation crab (surimi) is cooked fish and is also safe.
worth knowing
- NHS guidance was updated to remove the old suggestion to limit brown crab meat — it's now considered fine.
- Imitation crab sticks (surimi) are made from cooked pollock and are safe.
- Chilled pre-picked crab is ready-to-eat; keep it cold and respect the use-by date.
- Avoid raw crab dishes such as Korean gejang (raw marinated crab).
common questions
Can I eat crab sticks while pregnant?
Yes. Crab sticks (surimi) are made from fully cooked white fish, so they're safe — just keep them refrigerated and eat within the use-by date.
Is brown crab meat safe in pregnancy?
Yes. The NHS previously suggested limiting it but has since updated its advice — both white and brown crab meat are fine when cooked.
also in fish & seafood
Aligned with guidance from the NHS, FDA and WHO. This is general information, not personal medical advice — check with your midwife or doctor about your own situation. How we write.