Is Pasteurized eggs & egg products safe during pregnancy?
Pasteurized eggs are the safer pick for recipes that stay runny or raw, like dressings or mousse.
PregnancyGenerally safe
BreastfeedingGenerally safe
EvidenceStrong
What the sources say
FDA and CDC suggest using shell eggs treated to destroy Salmonella (such as in-shell pasteurization) or pasteurized egg products in foods that won't be cooked to a safe temperature, such as Caesar dressing, mousse or homemade ice cream. Treated eggs usually say so on the carton. Keep them refrigerated and follow the label's use-by date.
Also listed as
pasteurized eggs, pasteurized shell eggs, liquid egg whites, egg beaters, liquid eggs, pasteurized egg product, carton egg whites
Sources
- FDA: What You Need to Know About Egg Safety
- CDC: Safer Food Choices for Pregnant Women
- CDC: Maternal Diet and Breastfeeding
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.