Can I eat cooked sushi rolls when pregnant?
Quick Answer
Yes
Cooked sushi rolls, such as those with cooked fish or vegetarian rolls, are safe to eat during pregnancy. Raw fish poses a risk of parasitic infection, but cooking the fish eliminates this risk.
What Is It?
Cooked sushi rolls are a type of sushi where the fish or other seafood is cooked before being rolled in rice and seaweed. This is different from traditional sushi, which often uses raw fish.
Why It Can Be Risky
While cooked sushi rolls are generally safe for pregnant women, there are still some risks to consider.
- Cross-contamination: Even if the fish is cooked, there’s a risk of cross-contamination if the same cutting boards or knives are used for both raw and cooked fish.
- Mercury: Some types of fish used in sushi, such as tuna, can contain high levels of mercury. High mercury intake during pregnancy can harm a baby’s developing nervous system.
Safe Method?
To ensure safety, only eat sushi from reputable restaurants that follow proper food safety guidelines. You can also make your own sushi at home, using cooked fish or vegetables.
Safe Alternatives
If you’re craving sushi but want to avoid any risks, consider vegetarian sushi rolls or rolls made with cooked shellfish, chicken, or imitation crab.