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Is Raw sprouts / beansprouts safe in pregnancy?
Best avoided
Avoid raw; cooked sprouts are fine.
What the evidence says
Raw sprouts (alfalfa, mung bean, clover, radish) should be avoided in pregnancy. The warm, moist conditions in which they are grown can harbour Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria — even thorough washing does not reliably remove these. Fully cooked sprouts (stir-fried until soft) are safe.
Why this matters
Multiple food poisoning outbreaks have been traced to raw sprouts globally. Cooking destroys the bacteria; washing alone does not.
Source:UK Food Standards Agency guidance on sprouts
Last reviewed:April 2026
Please note — This is general guidance based on NHS advice as of April 2026. It is not medical advice. For advice on your specific pregnancy, please speak to your midwife or GP.
Personalised support
Planning a pregnancy or trying to conceive?
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