Is Pre-cut melon safe during pregnancy?
Freshly cut or refrigerated melon (≤7 days) is fine. Skip cut melon left out over 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F).
What the sources say
CDC advises people who are pregnant to avoid cut melon left out for more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F, like a picnic or hot car) or refrigerated more than 7 days, because of Listeria. Freshly cut melon or cut melon kept refrigerated 7 days or less is the safer choice. FDA suggests scrubbing whole melons with a clean brush before cutting and buying pre-cut produce only if it's refrigerated or on ice. No special restriction while breastfeeding (CDC).
Also listed as
cut melon, cut cantaloupe, cantaloupe, cut watermelon, watermelon, honeydew, fruit cup, fruit salad, melon cubes, fruit platter
Sources
- CDC: Safer Food Choices for Pregnant Women
- CDC: Preventing Listeria Infection
- FDA: Selecting and Serving Produce Safely
- NHS: Foods to avoid in pregnancy
- CDC: Maternal Diet and Breastfeeding
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.