Is It Safe To Eat Soft-boiled Or Raw Eggs During Pregnancy?

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1. Pregnancy /
2. Nutrition in pregnancy

Is it safe to eat soft-boiled or raw eggs during pregnancy?Medically reviewed by Sarah Schenker, Dietitian Written by Holly BennettMost eggs sold in the UK are stamped with a red British Lion Quality mark and are considered safe to eat in pregnancy, soft-boiled or raw. This is because the hens have been vaccinated against salmonella. Salmonella poisoning will not directly harm your baby, but it can be very unpleasant for you and lead to: Advertisement | page continues below

• severe vomiting and diarrhoea
• abdominal pain
• a headache
• a high temperature

If you have eggs which are not stamped with the British Lion mark, cook them thoroughly. Cook the eggs until the yolks and whites are solid. This will destroy any salmonella bacteria, making them safe to eat. VIDEO Here’s how to cook eggs without the British Lion mark so that they’re safe to eat:

• Boil a medium-sized egg for at least seven minutes.
• Fry eggs on both sides.
• Poach eggs until the white is completely set and opaque, and the yolk is firm (about five minutes for a medium-sized egg).

If you’re eating out, or shopping at a deli or market, be cautious when buying sorbet, ice cream, meringue, mousse, tiramisu or mayonnaise (and products that are made with mayonnaise such as coleslaw and potato salad). These often contain raw eggs that you may not know the origin of, so always check the label or ask. Supermarket products are usually made with pasteurised eggs, so are safe to eat. Pasteurisation heats the eggs and kills salmonella bacteria. If you’re making something at home that includes raw eggs, such as royal icing, mayonnaise or meringue, use British Lion eggs or pasteurised egg products. You can buy liquid, dried or frozen pasteurised egg in most supermarkets. Storing eggs safely will help to keep them free of the salmonella bacteria: Advertisement | page continues below

• Keep eggs in the fridge.
• Don’t let eggs come into contact with other foods. Keep them in a separate egg tray or in the box that they were bought in.
• If you eat soft-boiled or runny eggs, make sure that they’re not past their best-before date.
• Don’t use eggs with damaged shells, as dirt or bacteria may have entered.
• Don’t keep hard-boiled eggs in the fridge for more than three days.

When cooking or preparing eggs:

• Don’t splash raw egg over other food, utensils or surfaces.
• Wash and dry your hands thoroughly after touching eggs or cooking with them. Bacteria can sometimes be found on the shell, as well as inside.
• Clean all utensils thoroughly with hot, soapy water.
• Wash kitchen surfaces using hot, soapy water or antibacterial spray and a clean, damp cloth.

Learn more on looking after yourself and your baby when you’re pregnant:

• Get tips on dealing with morning sickness.
• Find out what seafood you can eat when you’re pregnant.
• Get tips on eating during your working day.

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Track your pregnancy on our free #1 pregnancy & baby appHolly BennettHolly Bennett is a writer and editor who worked as an assistant editor for BabyCentre. She worked on a range of topics including fertility, pregnancy health and nutrition. Opens a new window Opens a new window Opens a new window

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