Belacan, or fermented shrimp paste, is a popular ingredient in SEA cuisine. However, pregnant women should try to avoid this, as in its paste form, it is raw, and may contain harmful bacteria. Even though it is cooked when added to food, it's best to stay on the safe side, right, mums-to-be?

You can eat belacan in small quantities added to food and cooked well, in the postpartum period. Please make sure the food to which the belacan is added, is cooked thoroughly.

It is safe to eat belacan added to food and cooked well, while breastfeeding.

Belacan is not safe for children to eat after they start solids around the age of six months. This is because in its paste form, it is raw (shrimp), and if not cooked properly, could cause food poisoning in your little one.