Can I Eat Eggs in Pregnancy? Complete Guide
Yes, eggs are safe to eat in pregnancy — including runny or soft-boiled eggs — as long as they carry the British Lion stamp. Eggs are a brilliant source of protein and choline, both of which support your baby's growth, so there's no need to avoid them. The main thing to check is where your eggs came from and how they're cooked.
Why British Lion stamped eggs matter
The British Lion mark (a small red lion stamped on the shell, or printed on the box) means the hens were vaccinated against salmonella and the eggs were produced under strict food safety standards. This changed UK guidance significantly:
- Lion-stamped eggs can be eaten runny, soft-boiled, or even raw (for example, in homemade mayonnaise or mousse)
- Non-Lion eggs, eggs bought abroad, or eggs from your own hens/a market stall should be cooked until both the yolk and white are completely solid
- Duck, goose, and quail eggs should always be cooked thoroughly, regardless of stamping, as Lion assurance mainly covers hen eggs
- When eating out or ordering takeaway, you can't verify the stamp, so it's sensible to ask for eggs cooked through if you're unsure of the source
How to check and cook eggs safely
Look for the red lion logo printed directly on the shell — not just on the egg box, as boxes can be reused. If you're baking, most home baking (cakes, quiches, frittatas) fully cooks the eggs anyway, so this isn't usually a concern. The risk is specifically with eggs that stay raw or runny in the final dish, such as soft-boiled eggs, hollandaise sauce, tiramisu, or homemade mayonnaise made without pasteurised egg.
Other egg-based foods to think about
- Mayonnaise, salad dressings, and ice cream made commercially in the UK use pasteurised egg, so they're fine
- Homemade versions of these should use Lion-stamped eggs or pasteurised egg products
- Meringue and mousse recipes that don't involve cooking the egg should also stick to Lion-stamped or pasteurised eggs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat runny eggs in pregnancy?
Yes, as long as they're British Lion stamped (look for the red lion logo on the shell). These hens are vaccinated against salmonella, making runny yolks and soft-boiled eggs safe to eat. If the eggs aren't Lion-stamped, or you're unsure of their origin, cook them until both the yolk and white are solid.
What eggs should I avoid in pregnancy?
Avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs that don't carry the British Lion mark, as these carry a higher risk of salmonella. This includes eggs bought abroad, from unregulated sources, or duck, goose, and quail eggs unless fully cooked. Homemade sauces or desserts using raw non-Lion eggs (like some mousses or hollandaise) should be avoided or made with pasteurised egg instead.
Is mayonnaise safe to eat when pregnant?
Shop-bought mayonnaise in the UK is made with pasteurised egg, so it's safe to eat during pregnancy. If you're making mayonnaise at home, use British Lion stamped eggs or a pasteurised egg product to be on the safe side. This same principle applies to other raw-egg dressings and dips.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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