Can You Eat Runny Eggs When Breastfeeding?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against NHS: food and drinks to avoid when breastfeeding · Last updated 28 October 2026
Yes. Runny 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 runny eggs alongside their safety information.
Runny yolk is a different question from 'can I eat eggs'
The NHS breastfeeding avoid page doesn't mention eggs at all, so there is no breastfeeding-specific rule to apply here. What's left is the ordinary, population-wide Salmonella question that applies to anyone eating a raw or lightly-cooked egg, whether or not they are breastfeeding.
| Egg type | Salmonella risk | What it means in practice |
|---|---|---|
| British Lion-stamped (red lion logo on the shell) | Considered low-risk; produced under a vaccination and food-safety assurance scheme the FSA accepts | Can be eaten raw or runny |
| Not Lion-stamped, or unknown origin (some restaurant, takeaway or imported eggs) | Not covered by the same assurance | Cook until both the white and yolk are solid |
This is the same table that applies to pregnant women, children, older people and everyone else. Breastfeeding does not change it in either direction.
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) — no egg restriction on the breastfeeding avoid page
- NHS: Foods to avoid in pregnancy (page last reviewed 15 June 2026) — British Lion stamp context, used for pregnancy; same assurance scheme applies generally
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Runny Eggs: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| In pregnancy | Safe if Lion-stamped |
Common questions
Is runny eggs safe while breastfeeding?
Yes. Runny 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.
Can I eat soft-boiled or poached eggs with a runny yolk while breastfeeding?
Yes, if the eggs are British Lion-stamped. If you don't know the stamp, cook until both the white and yolk are firm, which is the ordinary food-safety advice for anyone, not a breastfeeding-specific rule.
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.