Verified by Patricia Shelton MD
Patricia Shelton holds a Doctor of Medicine degree and a Bachelors degree in neuroscience, both from the University of Washington.
As pregnancy becomes critical, soon-to-be mothers are getting pickier and more careful about the food they put into their bodies. Some even became vegans or learned to love salads, every type of it. But one famous salad is still a question – Kani salad.
Kani salad is made of crab meat and veggies, and many pregnant women wonder if it’s safe to eat during pregnancy. It’s generally good and healthy, but can you eat Kani salad while pregnant?
Can you eat Kani salad while pregnant?
Yes, It is safe to eat Kani salad while pregnant as long as the crab meat is cooked correctly. In addition to its high protein content, crab meat contains other nutrients and is also low in mercury. Pregnant women are advised to eat at least 8-12 ounces of seafood per week, and Kani salad is an excellent way to include seafood in your diet.
However, there are things to keep in mind when preparing or even buying Kani salad:
If you’re making Kani salad at home, cook the crab meat thoroughly.
Crab meat should be cooked until it’s no longer pink and the juices run clear. If you’re ordering outside, ask the store or restaurant if they use appropriately cooked crab meat.
When buying Kani salad from a store or restaurant, make sure it’s fresh. Avoid Kani salad that contains canned crab meat, as it may not be properly cooked.
Be careful of cross-contamination when preparing Kani salad. Keep the fresh crab meat away from raw foods and surfaces since they can be easily contaminated.
Please wash your hands thoroughly after handling crab meat, and wash all utensils and surfaces that came into contact with it.
Can you use imitation crab in your Kani salad?
Imitation crab is usually made of fish paste and other fillers. Since it’s cooked with low mercury content, it is safe to use it in your Kani salad and eat during pregnancy. However, it doesn’t have many nutrients and is prepared with many preservatives compared to fresh crab meat, so it’s still best to choose the latter.
Imitation crab is also quite affordable and convenient, so it’s a good option if you’re on a budget or don’t have access to fresh crab meat. Just check the label and choose brands that are low in sodium.
Can you eat Kani sushi while pregnant?
How about Kani sushi? Is it safe to eat during pregnancy?
Yes, you can eat Kani sushi while pregnant if the crab meat is properly cooked and the sushi is fresh. As with Kani salad, it’s also best to choose fresh sushi over ones that use canned crab meat. Avoid sushi that has been sitting out for a long time, as it can spoil quickly. To be safe, ask the store or restaurant when they prepared the sushi.
Conclusion
Kani salad and sushi are safe to eat during pregnancy only if the crab meat is fresh and properly cooked. Again, pregnant women are advised to eat at least 8-12 ounces of seafood per week, and Kani salad is a good way to include seafood in your diet. However, remember the tips and precautions mentioned above to avoid food poisoning. If still unsure, it’s always best to ask your healthcare provider.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/can-i-eat-imitation-crab-while-pregnant#cons
https://www.verywellfamily.com/can-you-eat-sushi-while-pregnant-5192885
