Is Frozen vegetables safe during pregnancy?
Healthy and convenient — cook them per package directions rather than eating thawed and raw (e.g., in salads or smoothies).
What the sources say
After a 2016 Listeria outbreak linked to frozen vegetables, CDC noted that frozen produce is generally not considered ready-to-eat: consumers are expected to cook it to kill germs like Listeria, but many people don't know this. Follow package cooking directions, especially during pregnancy, and toss recalled products. No special restriction while breastfeeding (CDC).
Common alternatives
Also listed as
frozen veggies, frozen peas, frozen corn, frozen spinach, frozen broccoli, frozen green beans, frozen mixed vegetables, frozen edamame, thawed frozen vegetables
Sources
- CDC: Summary of Possible Multistate Enteric (Intestinal) Disease Outbreaks in 2016
- CDC: Safer Food Choices for Pregnant Women
- CDC: Maternal Diet and Breastfeeding
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.