Poached Egg Fans Rejoice: Runny Eggs Are Back On The Menu For Pregnant Women
A safety committee has revealed raw and runny eggs are actually pretty safe for pregnant women [Photo: Rex Features]
If you’re expecting a baby there are certain foods experts recommend you avoid. Paté, raw meat and blue cheese are all off the menu for the foreseeable and until recently so was raw or super runny eggs.
But a safety committee has just revealed that raw eggs are actually pretty safe for pregnant women to eat.
A report from the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food has deemed there is “very low” risk of salmonella from UK eggs produced under the Lion code.
Can pregnant women now eat raw or runny eggs? [Photo: freestocks.org via Pexels]
“It was the strong view of the working group that there has been a major reduction in the microbiological risk from salmonella in UK hen shell eggs since the 2001 ACMSF report,” the report states.
“This is especially the case for those eggs produced under the Lion code quality assurance scheme.
In practical terms, the report reveals that the very low risk of contracting salmonella from eggs produced under the Lion code or an equally comprehensive scheme, means eggs can be served raw or lightly cooked to everyone.
The committee adds that the recommendation is not intended to include “severely immunocompromised individuals”, but does include “vulnerable groups in general including pregnant women, the young and the elderly”.
Sunny side up? Pregnant women can enjoy runny eggs now [Photo: pixabay.com via Pexels]
The Chief Medical Officer and Food Standards Agency (FSA) have previously said eating raw and lightly-cooked eggs is risky for pregnant women. But as a result of the findings, the ACMSF is calling on the FSA to officially amend its advice.
The FSA says it has launched an eight week consultation into the matter and will review whether it will change its advice shortly.
A statement from the FSA said: “Following committee approval and a UK-wide consultation of the report, the FSA has agreed to examine its advice taking into account the committee’s conclusions and recommendations.”
But some experts are concerned the report could be somewhat confusing for pregnant women.
Commenting on the issue, Louise Silverton, Director for Midwifery at the Royal College of Midwives, said: “We are concerned that media headlines may be confusing for women.
“Whilst this latest evidence from the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food says that the risks are greatly reduced, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) continues to recommend that vulnerable groups including pregnant women do not eat raw or lightly cooked eggs, or any food that is uncooked or only lightly cooked and contains raw eggs. The RCM will continue to support this position.
“We await the conclusion of the FSA’s consultation and would call for the analysis of the consultation to be done swiftly, to provide clarity and clear guidance for women and other groups about this issue.”
For more information visit the FSA website.
Would you eat raw or runny eggs while pregnant? Let us know @YahooStyleUK
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