Can I Eat Runny Eggs When Pregnant?

Can you eat runny eggs when pregnant? The short answer: Yes — if they carry the British Lion mark. This is good news for anyone who has been missing dippy eggs and toast during their first trimester. Read on to understand exactly why the British Lion stamp changes things, and what to do if you cannot find Lion-marked eggs.

Quick Answer

Runny eggs in pregnancy: Yes, if they carry the British Lion mark

British Lion eggs come from hens vaccinated against salmonella, which is the main concern with undercooked eggs. The NHS advises that runny or raw eggs with the British Lion mark are safe to eat during pregnancy.

Is Runny Egg Safe in Pregnancy?

The good news is that hens in British Lion egg schemes are vaccinated against salmonella, which dramatically reduces the risk. This is why the NHS changed its guidance to allow pregnant women to eat runny and even raw British Lion eggs.

If you are eating eggs outside the UK — on holiday, for example — the same reassurance does not apply. In those situations, stick to eggs that are fully cooked until both the white and yolk are solid.

Non-British Lion eggs should also be cooked through until the yolk is firm during pregnancy, as you cannot be sure of their salmonella vaccination status.

NHS Guidance on Runny Eggs

For eggs that do not carry the British Lion mark — including eggs from ducks, geese, and quail, as well as non-UK eggs — the NHS recommends cooking them fully until both the white and yolk are hard.

Always check for the red British Lion stamp on the shell or box before eating runny eggs during pregnancy.

How to Eat Runny Eggs Safely

• Check the box and shell: Look for the red British Lion stamp on the packaging or stamped directly onto each egg shell.
• Store eggs correctly: Keep eggs in the fridge and use them before their best-before date.
• Be cautious when eating out: Restaurant eggs may not be British Lion eggs. If you are unsure, ask your server or order your eggs well-cooked.
• Duck, quail, and goose eggs: These are not covered by the British Lion scheme. Always cook these fully until the yolk is solid.
• Egg dishes: Foods like hollandaise sauce or Caesar dressing made with British Lion eggs are also safe. If you cannot verify the egg source, opt for a cooked or pasteurised alternative.

The general rule throughout pregnancy is that when you cannot verify the egg source, cook them through fully. Well-cooked eggs of any type are safe to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Try not to panic. If the eggs were British Lion eggs, the risk is very low and you are unlikely to experience any problems. If you are unsure whether the eggs were British Lion eggs, monitor yourself for symptoms of salmonella, which include fever, stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhoea. These usually appear within 12 to 72 hours of eating contaminated food. If you develop any of these symptoms, contact your GP or call NHS 111 for advice.

Is runny egg safe in the first trimester?

The same rules apply throughout all stages of pregnancy. British Lion eggs are safe to eat runny or raw at any point during your pregnancy. In the first trimester, when nausea can make eating difficult, many women find soft-boiled eggs easier to stomach than fully hard-boiled ones — so this guidance is particularly welcome for early pregnancy.

Can I eat soft-boiled eggs when pregnant?

Yes, soft-boiled eggs are runny eggs — the same guidance applies. A soft-boiled British Lion egg is safe during pregnancy. If you are not sure whether the eggs are British Lion eggs, cook until the yolk is completely solid to be on the safe side.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Speak to your midwife or GP if you have any concerns about your diet during pregnancy.

Last reviewed: June 2026

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• Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Vitamins
• Healthy Diet in Pregnancy