Can You Eat Eggs When Breastfeeding?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against NHS: food and drinks to avoid when breastfeeding · Last updated 28 October 2026
Yes. Eggs are fine while breastfeeding, runny or not. The NHS doesn't list eggs among the foods to avoid.
What the guidance says
The pregnancy advice on eggs was about Salmonella and the risk to an unborn baby. Breastfeeding has no such rule. Runny or raw egg carries a small Salmonella risk for anyone, and British Lion-stamped eggs are considered low-risk by the FSA. If you want to be careful, cook until firm.
You can also check the calorie content of eggs alongside their safety information. Dog owners should check if eggs are safe for dogs before sharing, and cat owners can check whether cats can eat eggs.
Two separate questions people mean by this
"Can you eat eggs when breastfeeding" usually means one of two different things, and the answer to both is yes, for different reasons.
| Question | Answer | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Are eggs restricted at all while breastfeeding? | No | The NHS breastfeeding avoid page, read directly, does not list eggs. The pregnancy Salmonella caution was about risk to an unborn baby, which ends at birth. |
| Is a runny or raw egg safe for anyone, breastfeeding or not? | Yes if it is British Lion-stamped, or cooked until the white and yolk are firm if it isn't | This is the ordinary food-safety answer for the whole population; see our dedicated page on runny eggs while breastfeeding for the detail. |
What's actually left to think about
Once the pregnancy-specific rule is removed, what remains is the same general egg-safety picture as for any other adult: a small residual Salmonella risk from raw or lightly cooked egg that the British Lion scheme is designed to reduce, and ordinary storage rules (keep eggs in the fridge once bought chilled, use within the best-before or use-by date on the box). Nothing about breastfeeding itself changes either of those.
Sources checked
Everything in the sections above was checked against these pages on 28 October 2026.
- NHS: Food and drinks to avoid when breastfeeding (published 21 July 2023, modified 28 January 2026) — breastfeeding avoid list does not include eggs
- NHS: Foods to avoid in pregnancy (page last reviewed 15 June 2026) — pregnancy egg guidance and Lion-stamp context
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More for the feeding months
Eggs: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| In pregnancy | Safe if Lion-stamped |
| In the fridge | 3–5 weeks in the fridge |
| In the freezer | Not recommended |
| Reheating | Yes — once, piping hot |
| Past the date on the label | 1–2 days after, if cooked well |
Common questions
Is eggs safe while breastfeeding?
Yes. Eggs are fine while breastfeeding, runny or not. The NHS doesn't list eggs among the foods to avoid.
Is a runny eggs OK?
Yes for breastfeeding. For food poisoning in general, Lion-stamped eggs are considered low-risk by the FSA, and cooking until firm removes the risk entirely.
Can eggs upset my baby?
Egg allergy in breastfed babies is uncommon. If your baby has a reaction such as rash, vomiting or swelling, speak to your GP or health visitor.
Was this different during pregnancy?
In pregnancy our verdict was “safe if lion-stamped” (see our pregnancy guide for the reasons).
What should I avoid while breastfeeding?
The NHS list is short. Caffeine: try not to have more than 300mg a day (a mug of filter coffee is about 140mg, instant 100mg, tea 75mg). Alcohol: it is safer not to drink, but 1 or 2 units once or twice a week should be fine. Oily fish: no more than 2 portions a week. Shark, swordfish and marlin: no more than 1 portion a week. Peanuts are fine unless you're allergic. Most other foods that were off the menu in pregnancy, such as soft cheese, pâté, cured meat and runny eggs, are not restricted.
Do eggs affect breast milk or a breastfed baby?
The NHS does not list eggs among foods or drinks to avoid while breastfeeding. There is no specific NHS rule linking egg consumption to breast milk composition or a breastfed baby's health.
Does the British Lion stamp matter while breastfeeding the same way it's discussed for pregnancy?
The Lion stamp question is a general food-safety one for raw or runny egg, not a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific rule. It applies the same way to any adult choosing to eat a less-than-fully-cooked egg.
Related answers
Primary source: NHS: food and drinks to avoid when breastfeeding.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.