Pregnancy is such an exciting time, but we know it also comes with a lot of questions, especially about what you can and can’t eat. For sushi lovers, one of the biggest questions is “Can I still enjoy my favourite sushi rolls?” It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the information out there. In this article, we want to help you clear things up.
Sushi During Pregnancy
Sushi comes in raw and cooked types. The main concern with raw fish during pregnancy is the risk of bacteria, mercury, and parasites, which could potentially cause foodborne illnesses.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines advised pregnant individuals to avoid raw or undercooked fish and meat at any trimester, including those who are trying to conceive.
However, the FDA also recognizes that not all sushi is raw. Many types of sushi, like rolls with cooked seafood, vegetables, or eggs, are safe and can be a fantastic part of a healthy pregnancy diet.
Knowing the Mercury Levels in Fish
You’ve probably heard about mercury levels in fish. This is a real concern, as high levels of mercury can harm a baby’s developing nervous system. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to give up fish entirely. Fish is a crucial source of omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA, which are essential for your baby’s brain and eye development.
The key is to choose low-mercury fish.
The FDA and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have a helpful guide that categorizes fish into three groups:
- Best Choices (2-3 servings a week or 8-12 oz): This list includes many popular sushi fish, like salmon, canned light tuna, shrimp, and crab. They’re considered low-mercury options that are safe to enjoy.
- Good Choices (1 serving or about 4 oz a week): This group includes fish like cooked albacore tuna (often labelled as “white tuna” on menus).
- Choices to Avoid: High-mercury fish like king mackerel, marlin, bigeye tuna, orange roughy, and swordfish. Fortunately, you won’t typically find these in most sushi restaurants.
When you’re looking at our menu, you can feel great about choosing rolls with cooked salmon, shrimp, or prawn. If you want to be extra sure, don’t hesitate to ask our staff; we’ll be happy to explain our ingredients to you.
Commitment to Quality and Safety
At Pika Sushi, we understand the importance of food safety, especially for expecting parents. That’s why we’re committed to the highest standards of quality and freshness.
We source our ingredients from reputable suppliers who follow strict handling and storage protocols. This ensures our seafood is fresh, responsibly sourced, and ready to be enjoyed by all of our customers. When it comes to our cooked items, our kitchen staff adheres to strict food safety practices to ensure everything is prepared perfectly.
So, what’s the takeaway? You can clearly enjoy delicious and healthy sushi while pregnant! Just focus on:
- Cooked options: rolls with cooked ingredients, such as chicken, shrimp, prawn, or crab. Vegetarian options are always a safe bet.
- Low-mercury choices: opt for fish like salmon and shrimp, which are “Best Choices” for pregnant individuals.
Ready to make a safe and delicious choice? Explore our menu and discover the many delicious and pregnancy-friendly options.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/can-pregnant-women-eat-sushi
https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy
