Food and pregnancy: what can you eat?

Welcome to the most comprehensive guide on nutrition during pregnancy. Find here all the foods that are allowed, not recommended, or should be consumed with caution, sorted by category. Our recommendations are based on guidelines from the ANSES, Public Health France and the CNGOF.

Updated February 2026 by our medical team

The 3 golden rules

Allowed (no risk)
Caution required
Not recommended during pregnancy

Cheese

MozzarellaAllowed

OK if pasteurized or cooked

ParmesanAllowed

No risks

FetaAllowed

OK if pasteurized

MascarponeAllowed

No risks

ComtéAllowed

No risks

BoursinAllowed

No risks

CamembertCaution

OK if pasteurized

BrieCaution

OK if pasteurized

RoquefortNot recommended

Not recommended

OK if pasteurized or fresh

RacletteAllowed

OK if well cooked

OK, removing the rind if bloomy or washed

Rather not recommended

CreamAllowed

OK if pasteurized

Charcuterie and meat

Foie grasCaution

OK occasionally if pasteurized

Cooked hamAllowed

OK

OK if long-aged

MortadellaAllowed

No risks

ChorizoNot recommended

Not recommended raw

SalamiNot recommended

Not recommended raw

PâtéCaution

OK if in sterilized can

Refrigerated rillettesNot recommended

Not recommended

OK, shortly after opening

Bacon bitsAllowed

OK if well cooked

Steak tartareNot recommended

Not recommended

Game meatNot recommended

Not recommended

Fish and seafood

ShrimpAllowed

OK if well cooked

Consume shortly after opening

SardineAllowed

Recommended

MackerelAllowed

Recommended

TunaAllowed

Up to 3 times per week

SurimiAllowed

No risks

MusselsAllowed

OK if well cooked

OystersNot recommended

Not recommended, except cooked

ScallopsAllowed

OK if well cooked

SushiCaution

OK if the fish has been frozen

TaramasalataNot recommended

Not recommended

SwordfishNot recommended

Not recommended

Cod liverCaution

Rather not recommended

Eggs

Fried eggAllowed

Recommended

OmeletteAllowed

Recommended

Recommended

OK if consumed immediately

Condiments and sauces

Consume immediately

Drinks

CoffeeCaution

2-3 cups per day

TeaCaution

In moderation (2-3 cups/day)

ChampagneNot recommended

Absolutely avoid

Our detailed guides

Read our in-depth articles written by healthcare professionals:

Frequently asked questions

Can you eat raclette during pregnancy?

Yes, raclette is allowed as long as the cheese is fully melted and cooked through. Cooking eliminates the risks associated with listeria. Choose pasteurized milk cheeses and pair with cooked charcuterie.

Can you eat mozzarella during pregnancy?

Yes, industrial mozzarella is generally made from pasteurized milk and can be consumed safely. However, check the label and avoid artisanal raw milk mozzarella. Find all the details in our cheese during pregnancy guide.

Can you eat smoked salmon during pregnancy?

Smoked salmon is not recommended during pregnancy because it is not cooked and may contain Listeria bacteria. However, well-cooked salmon is perfectly safe and rich in beneficial omega-3. See our fish during pregnancy guide for more details.

Can you eat sushi during pregnancy?

Sushi made with raw fish is not recommended during pregnancy due to the risk of listeriosis and parasites. Vegetarian sushi or sushi made with cooked fish remains a safe alternative. Find all precautions in our dedicated article.

Can you eat rillettes during pregnancy?

Refrigerated rillettes (from the fresh section) are not recommended during pregnancy as they carry a risk of listeriosis. However, canned (non-refrigerated) sterilized rillettes can be consumed safely. Always check the type of preservation.

Can you eat dry sausage during pregnancy?

Dry sausage is not recommended during pregnancy as it is dried raw meat, which carries a risk of toxoplasmosis and listeriosis. Choose cooked charcuterie like cooked ham instead. See our charcuterie during pregnancy guide.

Can you eat oysters during pregnancy?

Raw oysters are not recommended during pregnancy due to bacterial and viral risks (norovirus, Vibrio). If they are well cooked, the risk is eliminated. Find our complete recommendations in our fish and seafood guide.

Can you eat foie gras during pregnancy?

Semi-cooked foie gras or sterilized canned foie gras can be consumed with caution, but fresh or homemade foie gras is not recommended. Foie gras also contains a lot of vitamin A, which should be consumed in moderation. Read our dedicated foie gras during pregnancy article.

Can you eat Roquefort during pregnancy?

Roquefort is not recommended during pregnancy because it is a blue-veined cheese made from raw milk, which is conducive to Listeria growth. Choose hard cheeses or pasteurized milk cheeses instead. See our cheese during pregnancy guide.

I ate a food that's not recommended during pregnancy, what should I do?

Don't panic: a single lapse carries very low risk. Watch for any symptoms (fever, nausea, diarrhea) in the following days. If in doubt or if symptoms appear, consult your doctor or midwife promptly.

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The information on this site is reviewed by our scientific committee to reflect the latest scientific research and official recommendations. The content on this website is provided for informational purposes only and may not be appropriate or applicable to your particular situation. This website does not provide medical advice and does not replace consultation with a healthcare professional.

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