Can I eat…? Specific foods
Can I Eat Crab or Imitation Crab When Pregnant?
Cooked crab is safe in moderation during pregnancy, and imitation crab (surimi) is cooked and fine — just avoid it in raw sushi rolls. Both are low-risk when cooked.
Real crab is low-to-moderate in mercury and safe cooked. Imitation crab is made from cooked white fish, so it's fine too — the only caution is when it's part of an otherwise raw sushi roll.
Cooked crab (fresh, tinned, or in a hot dish).
Imitation crab (it's pre-cooked) — e.g. in a cooked California roll.
Any crab in a roll that also contains raw fish.
Common follow-ups
How much crab?Moderate portions; it's fine as part of a varied seafood intake.
Crab sticks as a snack?Cooked and fine, though quite processed/salty.
Avo clears up the "is this cooked?" confusion at the sushi counter.Scan or search for an instant verdict.