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Disclaimer: This guide is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always confirm medicine, supplement and product decisions with your obstetrician, midwife, pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Food & Drink

Are Runny Eggs Safe During Pregnancy?

Published 2026-07-14 | By SafeMama Editorial Team | Editorial policy

Are Runny Eggs Safe During Pregnancy? pregnancy safety guide image

Short answer

Runny eggs are a location-specific pregnancy food-safety question. In the United States and Canada, the safer default is eggs cooked until yolks and whites are firm unless pasteurized eggs are used.

Usually choose firm yolks unless pasteurized

What is the safest way to think about this?

FoodSafety.gov and FDA guidance for pregnant people says undercooked eggs may contain Salmonella and recommends cooking eggs until yolks and whites are firm. NHS food guidance differs for some UK eggs, so SafeMama should surface market-specific context rather than one global rule.

What is generally okay?

  • In the US and Canada, cook eggs until both yolks and whites are firm unless using pasteurized eggs for a recipe that stays runny or raw.
  • Keep eggs refrigerated and avoid tasting raw batter or dough made with unpasteurized eggs.
  • Follow local rules in the UK and Ireland, where some official guidance treats British Lion Code or equivalent eggs differently.

What should you avoid or double-check?

  • Avoid raw or undercooked eggs from unknown or unpasteurized sources.
  • Avoid homemade mayonnaise, hollandaise, Caesar dressing, mousse, tiramisu, eggnog, or cookie dough unless made with pasteurized eggs or cooked thoroughly.
  • Avoid assuming restaurant runny eggs use pasteurized eggs unless staff can confirm.

How SafeMama helps

SafeMama can help users check egg labels, pasteurization language, prepared-food ingredients, and market-specific cautions for breakfast dishes, dressings, desserts, and sauces.

Open the SafeMama app, scan the barcode or search the ingredient, then use the result as a starting point for a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Can I eat over-easy eggs while pregnant?

In the US and Canada, choose fully cooked eggs or pasteurized eggs. Ask restaurants whether pasteurized eggs are used if the yolk stays runny.

Are UK runny eggs different?

UK guidance allows some eggs produced under British Lion Code or equivalent schemes. Travelers should follow the guidance for the country and egg source they are actually using.

What if I already ate runny eggs?

Do not panic. Watch for food-poisoning symptoms and contact your clinician if you develop fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, or feel unwell.

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