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Is Mayonnaise safe in pregnancy?
Generally safe
Shop-bought is fine; homemade depends on the eggs used.
What the evidence says
Shop-bought mayonnaise (Hellmanns, supermarket own-brand, etc.) is safe in pregnancy as it uses pasteurised egg. Homemade mayonnaise is safe only if made with British Lion eggs; otherwise avoid. Restaurant mayonnaise is usually shop-bought and therefore fine, though you can ask if unsure.
Why this matters
Pasteurisation destroys Salmonella. Raw non-Lion eggs carry the original Salmonella risk.
Source:NHS guidance on eggs in pregnancy
Last reviewed:April 2026
Please note — This is general guidance based on NHS advice as of April 2026. It is not medical advice. For advice on your specific pregnancy, please speak to your midwife or GP.
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