can I eat sushi?
You can eat sushi while pregnant if the raw fish has been frozen first, which kills parasites — in the UK, most restaurant and supermarket sushi meets this standard. Cooked or vegetarian sushi is always fine. Avoid sushi made with high-mercury fish or raw shellfish.
why it matters
The concern with raw fish is parasites such as anisakis, which freezing destroys. NHS guidance considers pre-frozen raw fish safe in pregnancy, while the FDA takes a stricter line and advises skipping raw fish altogether. There is also a small listeria risk with any chilled, ready-to-eat food that has been sitting out.
how to have it safely
Choose fully cooked rolls (tempura prawn, cooked eel, teriyaki chicken) or vegetarian options like avocado and cucumber rolls. If you want raw fish, ask whether it was previously frozen — reputable places will know.
worth knowing
- UK (NHS): raw fish in sushi is fine if it has been frozen first — a legal requirement for most commercially sold sushi.
- US (FDA): advises avoiding raw fish entirely during pregnancy; cooked sushi is the recommended route.
- Skip sushi containing swordfish, marlin or shark, and limit tuna rolls within your weekly tuna allowance.
- Freshly made sushi eaten promptly carries less listeria risk than trays left chilling for hours.
common questions
Can I eat supermarket sushi while pregnant?
Generally yes in the UK — supermarket sushi is made with previously frozen fish, which kills parasites. Check the label, eat it well before the use-by date, and keep it chilled until you eat it.
What sushi is completely safe during pregnancy?
Anything fully cooked or vegetarian: tempura rolls, cooked eel (unagi), teriyaki chicken rolls, avocado maki, cucumber maki and egg (tamago) nigiri are all safe choices.
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.