Diet and food safety after a blood or marrow transplant
Eating well is an important part of healing after a blood or marrow transplant (also known as a blood stem cell transplant or bone marrow transplant). Because your immune system is still getting stronger, some foods and drinks may put you at higher risk for infection.
Your transplant team and dietitian (nutrition expert) will give you specific guidance. Use this page as a helpful starting point.
For more information about food safety after a blood or marrow transplant, download the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration's food safety information booklet.
What to eat and avoid after transplant
There are some foods that are usually safe to eat after transplant and some that are not. Remember, talk to your transplant team or dietitian for recommendations specific to you.
Dairy and Eggs
Safe
- Pasteurized milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, tofu and refrigerated juice (look for “pasteurized” on the label)
- Commercially packaged hard and semi-soft pasteurized cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, Swiss, Monterey jack)
Not safe
- Raw (unpasteurized) milk
- Soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk (feta, brie, queso fresco)
- Foods with raw or undercooked eggs (cookie dough, homemade eggnog, Caesar salad dressing)
Fruits and vegetables
Safe
- Washed fresh fruits and vegetables
- Fruits with a thick peel or thick skin
- Canned fruits and juices
- Cooked vegetables, including sprouts
Not safe
- Unwashed produce
- Fruits or vegetables with bruises, bad spots or thin skin
- Raw sprouts (alfalfa, bean sprouts)
Meat and seafood
Safe
- Meat and poultry cooked to a safe internal temperature
- Seafood that is handled properly and fully cooked
Not safe
- Raw or undercooked fish or shellfish (including sashimi)
- Refrigerated smoked fish
- Partially cooked seafood
- Hot dogs, deli or luncheon meats that are not reheated
Packaged foods and snacks
Safe
- Prepared, packaged foods in boxes, cans or frozen
- Roasted and shelled nuts (look for “roasted” on the label)
- Commercially packaged nut butters, breads, cereals and snacks
- Pasteurized honey
Not safe
- Frozen foods that are not solidly frozen
- Foods in damaged or expired packaging
- Bulk food items or foods from self-serve bins
- Unroasted or in-shell nuts
Water and drinks after transplant
Water safety
- Most tap water is safe.
- If you use well water or aren’t sure about water quality, boil it before drinking or use bottled water.
- Avoid water from public fountains, lakes or streams.
Alcohol after transplant
- Alcohol can interfere with your medicines and slow recovery.
- Ask your doctor before drinking beer, wine or liquor.
Other beverages
- Coffee and tea: Safe if brewed with boiling water. Avoid unpasteurized iced teas.
- Juice: Only drink pasteurized juices.
- Smoothies or shakes: Safe if made at home with pasteurized ingredients. Avoid pre-made smoothies from juice bars or cafés.
Eating out safely after a transplant
Talk with your doctor about when it’s safe to start eating outside your home. Once you’re cleared, take a few extra precautions to lower your risk of infection.
Safer restaurant tips
- Avoid crowds by calling ahead and visiting during less busy times.
- Ask how your food will be prepared and if it contains raw eggs, meat or fish.
- If you order meat, ask that it be cooked until well done.
Places to avoid when dining out
- Delis
- Salad bars, buffets and potlucks
- Street or sidewalk vendors (e.g., food trucks, food stands)
- Crowded restaurants to avoid coming in contact with people who might be ill
Safe food storage and preparation
Keeping food safe doesn’t stop at choosing what to eat. How you store, prepare and cook food is just as important.
Learn about food storage, preparation and cooking tips.
Special thanks to the transplant dietitians who contributed to this article:
- Joy Heimgartner, MS, RDN, CSO, LD, and Joan Vruwink, RDN, LD
Mayo Clinic Blood and Marrow Transplant - Susan B. Little, MS, RDN, LD, CNSC
University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics Transplant Center