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Can I eat subway tuna while pregnant?

US pregnancy food safety guidance. Educational only.

What Guidelines Say

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FDA guidelines categorize canned light tuna as a "Best Choice," but deli-prepared salads require caution regarding mercury and cross-contamination.

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Subway tuna is typically prepared using canned light tuna (skipjack), which the FDA and EPA classify as a "Best Choice" for pregnant women due to its lower mercury content compared to albacore. Guidelines suggest limiting consumption of low-mercury fish to 2 to 3 servings (8 to 12 ounces) per week. However, because Subway tuna is a pre-mixed deli salad, it carries a potential risk of Listeria monocytogenes and cross-contamination from other deli items. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that deli-style salads prepared in retail environments may pose higher risks than those prepared at home. To mitigate bacterial risks, guidelines suggest ensuring the product is kept strictly refrigerated or heating the sandwich until steaming (165°F). Fetal exposure to high mercury levels can impact nervous system development, making adherence to portion limits essential.

Avoid

Bigeye Tuna

Caution

Limit albacore tuna to 6 ounces per week.

Safe Options

Salmon

Expert Pick

Shrimp

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Updated: Sources: Questions & Answers from the FDA/EPA Advice about Eating Fish for Those Who Might Become or Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding and Children Ages 1 to 11 Years | FDA +7

Safer Choices

Salmon

  • Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
  • Low in mercury
  • Aim for 2 to 3 servings per week

Shrimp

  • Low in mercury
  • Good source of protein
  • Can be included in the weekly diet

Tilapia

  • Mild-flavored
  • Low-mercury fish
  • Suitable for regular consumption

Catfish

  • Low in mercury
  • Provides essential nutrients
  • Safe to eat during pregnancy

Pollock

  • Low-mercury fish
  • Can be part of a balanced diet

Toasted Tuna Sandwich

  • Requesting the sandwich be toasted until the internal temperature reaches 165°F helps eliminate potential bacterial pathogens like Listeria.

Home-Prepared Light Tuna

  • Preparing tuna salad at home using canned light tuna allows for stricter control over hygiene, ingredients, and refrigeration temperatures.

Low-Mercury Cooked Alternatives

  • Cooked salmon, shrimp, or pollock are categorized as "Best Choices" by the FDA and offer high Omega-3 fatty acids with lower mercury risks.

Fully Heated Deli Meats

  • If choosing other Subway options, guidelines recommend heating all deli meats to 165°F to ensure safety against foodborne illness.

Risks & Limits

Bigeye Tuna

  • High in mercury
  • Should be avoided during pregnancy

King Mackerel

  • Contains elevated mercury levels
  • Not recommended for pregnant women

Shark

  • High mercury content
  • Should be avoided during pregnancy

Swordfish

  • Known for high mercury levels
  • Not safe for pregnant women

Albacore (White) Tuna

  • FDA guidelines recommend limiting albacore tuna to one 6-ounce serving per week due to its higher mercury concentration compared to light tuna.

Room Temperature Deli Salads

  • Salads that have been sitting in the "danger zone" (40°F–140°F) for more than two hours should be avoided to prevent rapid bacterial growth.

Key Points from Health Guidelines

Based on FDA, Mayo Clinic, ACOG published guidance

  • 1
    Limit albacore tuna to 6 ounces per week.
  • 2
    Consume 2 to 3 servings (8 to 12 ounces) of low-mercury fish weekly.
  • 3
    Avoid high-mercury fish like bigeye tuna, king mackerel, shark, and swordfish.
  • 4
    Choose a variety of fish to maximize nutritional benefits.
  • 5
    Ensure all seafood is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F to eliminate harmful pathogens.
  • 6
    Check local advisories for mercury levels in locally caught fish.
  • 7
    Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice during pregnancy.

Common Questions About subway tuna in Pregnant

Can I eat subway tuna while pregnant?
FDA guidelines categorize canned light tuna as a "Best Choice," but deli-prepared salads require caution regarding mercury and cross-contamination.
Is it safe to eat tuna during the first trimester?
Yes, consuming tuna in moderation is considered safe during the first trimester. The FDA advises limiting albacore tuna to 6 ounces per week and opting for low-mercury fish choices.
How much canned light tuna is safe to eat weekly during pregnancy?
The FDA recommends that pregnant women can safely consume 2 to 3 servings (8 to 12 ounces) of low-mercury fish, including canned light tuna, per week.
What are the risks of consuming too much tuna during pregnancy?
Excessive tuna consumption can lead to increased mercury exposure, which may harm fetal brain development and the nervous system. It's important to adhere to recommended limits to minimize these risks.
What are some safer alternatives to tuna during pregnancy?
Safer alternatives include salmon, shrimp, tilapia, catfish, and pollock, all of which are low in mercury and provide essential nutrients beneficial during pregnancy.
How should tuna be prepared to ensure safety during pregnancy?
Ensure that all tuna is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F to eliminate harmful bacteria and parasites. Avoid raw or undercooked tuna preparations, such as sushi or sashimi, during pregnancy.

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References & Guidelines

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for advice specific to your pregnancy. Doola AI aggregates data from public health guidelines to provide these summaries.