Is it Safe to Eat Over-Easy Eggs When Pregnant?
Due to their undercooked and runny yolk, over-easy eggs are generally not recommended to be consumed while pregnant. Eating undercooked eggs increases your risk of salmonella food poisoning. Pregnant women are especially susceptible to salmonella.
Each nation has slightly different rules regarding the consumption of eggs by expectant women. Let’s discuss some of the critical points.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends avoiding raw or undercooked eggs while you are pregnant, especially for eggs that are not pasteurized.
Eggs are heated to high temperatures during pasteurization, which eradicates any bacteria or pathogens that may be present. This process greatly reduces the chance of foodborne illness.
Similarly, the Government of Canada recommends that pregnant women avoid uncooked or “lightly cooked” eggs as well. This guideline states that the yolk should be firm.
The Canadian government advises against eating runny yolks, which are present in over-easy eggs, while pregnant.
In the United Kingdom, the guidelines differ slightly from the United States and Canada. Lion Mark eggs in the U.K. have been reviewed and accepted to be safe for pregnant women to consume raw, runny, or cooked (source: Egg Info).
In light of these criteria, over-easy eggs made with Lion Mark eggs would be safe for expectant mothers.
Let’s discuss the guidelines for undercooked egg consumption during pregnancy in Australia. Similar to the United States and Canada, Australia recommends that the eggs be served fully cooked (source: Australian Eggs).
Finally, New Zealand follows suit and recommends that pregnant women avoid consuming raw eggs (source: Ministry for Primary Industries).
Most nations concur that pregnant women should only consume fully cooked eggs to lower their risk of contracting a foodborne illness.
Is It Safe To Eat Over Medium Eggs When Pregnant?
Yes, eating over-medium eggs while pregnant is safe. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when eating any food during pregnancy. First, make sure the eggs you are eating are fresh.
Eggs that have been left out or that are past their expiration date could be contaminated with bacteria that is harmful to both you and your unborn child.
Second, only eat eggs that have been cooked thoroughly. Raw or undercooked eggs could contain dangerous bacteria that can make you ill.
It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to pregnancy. It is best to stay away from eggs if you aren’t sure about their freshness or how they were prepared.
The advantages of eating eggs when pregnant
If eggs are handled and prepared properly, eating them while pregnant is completely safe. Eggs are a great source of nutrients for you and your developing child.
Learn more about the vitamins and minerals you’ll require for your baby’s growth during pregnancy.