Pregnancy food guidance
Raw sprouts
Avoid—Unless cooked
Avoid raw or undercooked sprouts during pregnancy. Cook them until steaming hot.
What changes the answer for Raw sprouts
- Raw sprouts: avoid.
- Cooked until steaming hot: safer.
- Washing alone may not remove bacteria inside the seed.
Why it matters for Raw sprouts
Bacteria can enter sprout seeds before growth and can be difficult to wash away.
Practical takeaway
Ask restaurants to leave raw sprouts off sandwiches and salads.
Sources and review details
- Review status
- Source reviewed
- Last reviewed
- Guidance region
- United States