Is Scallops Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated April 13, 2026
The Answer
Yes, with proper cooking. Scallops are safe during pregnancy when cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. Raw or undercooked scallops should be avoided due to the risk of harmful bacteria and parasites.
Scallops are an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B12 during pregnancy. However, raw or undercooked scallops pose a risk of foodborne illness from bacteria like Listeria and Vibrio. The FDA recommends avoiding raw seafood during pregnancy and cooking all shellfish to 145°F. Fortunately, scallops are low in mercury, making them a safe choice when properly prepared.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
✓ What's Safe
- • Fully cooked scallops that are opaque and firm throughout, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F
- • Fresh scallops from reputable grocery stores or seafood counters with proper refrigeration
- • Wild caught or sustainably farmed scallops from trusted brands like Whole Foods or Eastern Fisheries
- • Limit to 2-3 servings (8-12 oz total) of low mercury seafood per week as part of your overall fish intake
- • Scallops that smell fresh and mildly sweet, not fishy or ammonia like
✗ What to Avoid
- • Raw scallops including sashimi, crudo, or ceviche preparations
- • Undercooked scallops that are translucent or soft in the center
- • Smoked scallops unless heated to steaming hot (165°F) before eating
- • Scallops from unknown sources or buffets where freshness and cooking temperature cannot be verified
- • Scallop dishes containing sherry wine or other alcohol based sauces that haven't been fully cooked off
Most Common Ingredients in Scallops Products
We analyzed 118 scallops products. Here are the most common ingredients, ranked by how often they appear:
Ingredients to Watch Out For in Scallops
These are the most common flagged ingredients across 118 scallops products we analyzed.
leavening sodium aluminum phosphate
CAUTION
Leavening sodium aluminum phosphate is a common metal found in food, cookware, antiperspirants, antacids, and vaccine adjuvants. Has been associated with reduced fetal growth, neural tube defects, and congenital heart defects at elevated exposure levels.
Found in 1 of 118 products (1%)
sherry wine
AVOID
Sherry wine is an intoxicating substance in beverages. Causes fetal alcohol spectrum disorder with lifelong physical and cognitive problems. No safe level exists.
Found in 1 of 118 products (1%)
sodium benzoate
CAUTION
Sodium benzoate is a food preservative in beverages and processed foods. Has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses and may form benzene when combined with vitamin C.
Found in 1 of 118 products (1%)
Scallops Products We've Analyzed
We graded 118 scallops products for pregnancy safety. 73 received an A grade.
Pregnancy Safe Scallops Products
We found 73 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| A | Scallops | Whole Foods |
| A | Bay Scallops | — |
| A | Sea Scallops | Heinen'S |
| A | Bay Scallops | Heinen'S |
| A | Petite Patagonian Scallops | — |
Your Questions Answered
Can pregnant women eat scallops?
Yes, pregnant women can safely eat scallops when they are fully cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. Scallops are low in mercury and high in beneficial nutrients like protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B12. The FDA and ACOG recommend eating 8-12 ounces of low mercury seafood per week during pregnancy, and scallops are an excellent choice within this guideline. Always ensure scallops are opaque and firm throughout before eating.
What are the risks of scallops during pregnancy?
The main risk comes from eating raw or undercooked scallops, which can harbor harmful bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes and Vibrio, as well as parasites. Listeria infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious illness in newborns. Properly cooking scallops to 145°F eliminates these risks. Some processed scallop products may also contain additives like sodium tripolyphosphate, which is generally recognized as safe but worth noting on labels.
Is it safe to eat scallops while pregnant?
Yes, it is safe to eat scallops while pregnant as long as they are thoroughly cooked. According to the FDA, pregnant women should avoid raw or undercooked seafood but can enjoy cooked shellfish as part of a healthy diet. Scallops have very low mercury content compared to larger fish like tuna or swordfish, making them one of the safer seafood options. Cook scallops until they reach 145°F and appear opaque throughout.
How should scallops be cooked for pregnancy?
Scallops should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F to be safe during pregnancy. They are done when the flesh turns from translucent to opaque white and feels firm to the touch. Pan searing for 2-3 minutes per side, baking at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, or grilling until opaque are all safe cooking methods. Avoid preparations that leave the center raw or translucent, such as rare seared scallops often served in restaurants.
Are bay scallops or sea scallops safer during pregnancy?
Both bay scallops and sea scallops are equally safe during pregnancy when properly cooked. Bay scallops are smaller and cook faster, while sea scallops are larger and may need more cooking time to reach 145°F throughout. The key safety factor is thorough cooking, not the type of scallop. Both varieties are low in mercury and provide similar nutritional benefits including protein, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids.
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.
People Also Checked
References
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