Is pre-cut melon safe during pregnancy?
A listeria outbreak linked to cantaloupe melons killed 33 people in the US.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Christopher Sterling, obstetrician ·
The short answer
Melon is healthy in pregnancy, but cut melon should be eaten straight away or kept in the fridge. Throw it away if it has been at room temperature for more than 4 hours, and wash whole melons before cutting.
Why it matters
Melon rinds are rough and sit on the ground as they grow, so they can pick up bacteria. Cutting through the rind pushes those bacteria onto the sweet, moist flesh — where listeria grows well.
In 2011 a listeria outbreak traced to whole cantaloupes became one of the deadliest foodborne outbreaks in US history, killing 33 people and causing a miscarriage.
What to do
- Scrub whole melons under running water before cutting.
- Eat cut melon right away or refrigerate it.
- Throw out cut melon left at room temperature for over 4 hours.
- Be wary of pre-cut fruit cups that have sat unrefrigerated.
Common questions
Is watermelon safe during pregnancy?
Yes. The same handling rules apply: wash the rind, then eat it fresh or keep it cold.
Sources
Medically reviewed by Dr. Christopher Sterling, obstetrician, on against the sources above. Guidance can differ between countries — always follow the advice of your own midwife, doctor or pharmacist. Medical disclaimer.
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