Is Mussels Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated July 19, 2026
The Answer
Mussels can be eaten during pregnancy when fully cooked to 145°F; avoid raw or undercooked mussels. Of 17 products we reviewed, 16 received an F and one received an A, so check both preparation and added ingredients carefully.
The main concern is foodborne illness from raw or undercooked mussels, so cook them to an internal temperature of 145°F. Also check prepared mussels and sauces for white wine, because alcohol has no established safe amount during pregnancy.
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✓ What's Safe
- • Mussels cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F
- • Packages that clearly identify the mussels as fully cooked rather than raw or partially cooked
- • Plain preparations with a short, easy to check ingredient list
- • Alcohol free sauces made with ingredients such as tomatoes, garlic, or herbs
- • Clear storage, preparation, and reheating directions
✗ What to Avoid
- • Raw mussels or preparations containing uncooked shellfish
- • Undercooked, lightly cooked, or partially cooked mussels that have not reached 145°F
- • Mussels in white wine sauce or any recipe listing white wine
- • Prepared mussels with unclear cooking or reheating instructions
- • Assuming canned, frozen, or sauced mussels are suitable without checking their ingredients and preparation
Most Common Ingredients in Mussels Products
We analyzed 17 mussels products. Here are the most common ingredients, ranked by how often they appear:
Ingredients to Watch Out For in Mussels
These are the most common flagged ingredients across 17 mussels products we analyzed.
white wine
AVOID
White wine is beverage ethanol found in beer, wine, liquor, cocktails, and similar drinks. Has no established safe amount in pregnancy and is linked to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and other adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Found in 1 of 17 products (6%)
Mussels Products We've Analyzed
We graded 17 mussels products for pregnancy safety. 1 received an A grade.
Pregnancy Safe Mussels Products
We found 1 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| A | Mussels | Seaproducts |
Your Questions Answered
Can I eat mussels when pregnant?
Yes, provided the mussels are fully cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. Avoid raw or undercooked mussels because the main pregnancy concern is foodborne illness. Check prepared versions for added white wine as well.
Are steamed mussels safe during pregnancy?
Steaming can be appropriate if the mussels become fully cooked and reach 145°F internally. The cooking method alone does not guarantee that temperature, so avoid mussels that remain raw or undercooked. Also review any accompanying sauce for alcohol.
What seafood should I avoid during pregnancy?
Based on the risk information reviewed here, avoid raw or undercooked seafood, including raw mussels, oysters, clams, scallops, sushi, sashimi, and ceviche. Seafood should be cooked to 145°F. Other seafood considerations are species- and preparation specific, so this mussels page does not establish a complete list.
Are mussels in white wine sauce safe during pregnancy?
White wine is the concern in this preparation because it contains beverage alcohol. No safe amount of alcohol has been established during pregnancy. Because the remaining alcohol depends on how a dish is prepared, choose an alcohol free sauce rather than assuming cooking removed it all.
What are five foods to avoid while pregnant?
The evidence reviewed for this category supports avoiding raw or undercooked seafood and food prepared with alcohol. It does not provide enough information to name five separate pregnancy food categories without adding unsupported claims. For mussels specifically, focus on complete cooking to 145°F and an alcohol free ingredient list.
How can I choose mussels more carefully during pregnancy?
Confirm that they will be cooked to 145°F and follow the package's storage, cooking, and reheating directions. Prefer straightforward preparations whose ingredients and cooking status are easy to verify. Of 17 mussel products we reviewed, 16 received an F and one received an A, so do not judge suitability from the category name alone.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains ingredients with established risks during pregnancy. Research shows these can cause birth defects, developmental harm, or serious maternal complications.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
References
- https://www.fda.gov/food/people risk foodborne illness/eating out bringing food safety moms be
- https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice about eating fish
- https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol pregnancy/about/index.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/fasd/about/index.html
- https://www.acog.org/womens health/infographics/alcohol and pregnancy
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures and fact sheets/alcohol and your pregnancy
- https://mothertobaby.org/fact sheets/alcohol pregnancy/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26482673/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9543418/