Ask the...nutritionist

By Lucinda Carter

I'm really confused as to whether sushi is safe to eat now i'm 20 weeks pregnant. Some books say it is, others forbid it. Can you help? Nicola, Sudbury

Lucinda Carter
Qualified nutritionist and dietician working for the NHS

Ask the GP

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Lucinda says…
The Food Standards Agency advises that raw shellfish should be avoided but it does not comment on other types of fish. Raw fish is problematic because of the parasites it can contain, such as tapeworm, which will strip both you and your baby of the nutrients you need.

However, thorough cooking or freezing the fish at -200°C for 24 hours before eating will destroy and parasites. Usually sushi bought ready-made from a shop will have been frozen but if the restaurant has made sushi on site this may not be the case.

If in doubt, ask, and as in all these ambiguous situations I would recommend asking yourself if it is worth the risk. Every month, the new issue of Pregnancy,Baby and You has more questions answered by our panel of specialists.

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