Is Mayonnaise Safe During Pregnancy

Reason

Commercial mayo made with pasteurized eggs is okay; homemade mayo with raw eggs should be avoided.

Safe Amount

Commercial mayonnaise: no specific limit from official guidance. Homemade mayonnaise made with raw eggs: avoid.

Effects

Pregnancy

Food safety depends on whether the mayo is pasteurized or homemade with raw eggs.

Mother

Helps lower risk of salmonella from raw eggs.

Baby

May lower risk of foodborne infection from raw eggs.

Trimester Notes

1st Trimester

Same guidance in all trimesters. Choose commercial, pasteurized egg mayonnaise. Avoid homemade mayo with raw eggs.

2nd Trimester

Same guidance in all trimesters. Choose commercial, pasteurized egg mayonnaise. Avoid homemade mayo with raw eggs.

3rd Trimester

Same guidance in all trimesters. Choose commercial, pasteurized egg mayonnaise. Avoid homemade mayo with raw eggs.

Conditions & Warnings

• Safe if commercial and made with pasteurized eggs.
• Avoid if homemade and made with raw eggs.

Alternatives

• Use commercial mayonnaise made with pasteurized eggs.
• Use a recipe that uses pasteurized eggs.
• Choose store-bought dressings labeled pasteurized.

References

• FDA
  https://www.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/dairy-and-eggs-food-safety-moms-be
• ACOG
  https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/the-top-6-pregnancy-questions-i-hear-from-first-time-moms
• NHS
  https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/