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Is Raw vegetables & salad safe in pregnancy?
Safe with limits
Safe — but wash thoroughly before eating.
What the evidence says
Raw vegetables and salad are a great part of pregnancy nutrition, but must be washed thoroughly before eating. This includes bagged pre-washed salad, which NHS guidance still recommends rinsing. Avoid any salad from buffets or outlets where freshness is uncertain.
Why this matters
Soil residues can carry Toxoplasma, Listeria, and E. coli. Washing removes most of this risk.
Source:NHS guidance on food hygiene in pregnancy
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
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