Back to all foods
Is Takeaway food safe in pregnancy?
Safe with limits
Fine occasionally; choose thoroughly-cooked options.
What the evidence says
Takeaway food is safe in pregnancy as an occasional choice, provided you pick options that are freshly cooked and steaming hot on arrival. Avoid raw or undercooked items (rare burgers, raw fish sushi from unknown sources, soft-centre eggs in breakfast dishes). Indian, Chinese, and Thai curries that are served piping hot are generally safe; cold-buffet or salad-bar items are higher risk.
Why this matters
The risk with takeaway isn't the cuisine type but the temperature and freshness at the point of eating.
Source:Pregnancy food safety guidance
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?
General guidance is a starting point. If you'd like nutrition support built around your own situation, I'd be glad to help.