Pregnancy Diet: Foods to Avoid & Listeria Concerns - Expert Advice

Question
I am currently 12 wks and thought I was doing everything right, avoiding  but now  a friend of mine (from Australia) told me that there, in addition to the foods to avoid they have in the U.S.,  they also say no pre-cut fruit or lettuce. She said pre-cut fruit can have listeria. Now I am concerned because I have been getting fresh fruit juices from my local juice bar-have I exposed myself to listeria?  I have been following my dr's advice and advice from my baby book-is this enough to keep me and my baby safe?

Answer
When eating raw fruits and veggies from a salad bar or restaurant, there is the very small risk that improper food handling techniques could cause contamination with listeria or another bacteria like salmonella.

It's always safest to wash all fruits and veggies before consumption.

Your risk is very small, and I don't think that you have anything to panic about. To allay your fears, speak to your OBGYN at your next prenatal visit.