Bushra Griffith
Feta cheese is a soft cheese that can be made from either pasteurized or unpasteurized milk. When made from unpasteurized milk, feta cheese can contain Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a severe and sometimes fatal infection. Listeriosis can cause miscarriage, premature birth, or severe illness or death of a newborn. While feta cheese made from pasteurized milk is generally considered safe to consume during pregnancy, it is always important to check the label to ensure that it has been properly pasteurized.
Is it safe to eat feta cheese during pregnancy?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feta cheese made from unpasteurized milk | May contain harmful bacteria that can cause mild flu-like symptoms in most adults but can be very dangerous for unborn babies. |
| Feta cheese made from pasteurized milk | Likely safe to eat because the pasteurization process kills harmful bacteria. |
| Listeria | A harmful bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a condition that is especially harmful to pregnant women and unborn babies. |
| Listeriosis | An infection that can cause miscarriage, premature birth, or severe illness or death of a newborn. |
| Vitamin D | Feta cheese is a good source of vitamin D, which is essential for proper fetal development. |
| Protein | Feta cheese is a good source of protein, with 1 ounce containing about 4 grams of protein. |
| Recommendations | Pregnant women should only eat feta cheese that is clearly labelled as made from pasteurized milk. |
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What You'll Learn
- Feta cheese made with pasteurized milk is likely safe to eat during pregnancy
- Unpasteurized feta cheese may contain harmful bacteria
- Listeria can cause miscarriage, premature birth, or severe illness or death of a newborn
- Feta cheese is a good source of vitamin D and protein
- Other cheeses to avoid during pregnancy include Brie, Camembert, and blue-veined cheeses
Feta cheese made with pasteurized milk is likely safe to eat during pregnancy
Feta cheese is a soft cheese that is generally considered unsafe for pregnant women to eat. However, when feta cheese is made with pasteurized milk, it is likely safe to consume during pregnancy.
Soft cheeses, such as feta, that are made with unpasteurized milk may contain Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful type of bacteria that can cause listeriosis. Listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, severe illness, or the death of a newborn. The risk of contracting listeriosis from cheese is higher when the cheese is made in a factory with unsanitary conditions.
When milk is pasteurized, it undergoes a heating and cooling process that kills harmful bacteria. As a result, feta cheese made with pasteurized milk is unlikely to contain Listeria and is therefore considered safe for pregnant women to consume. It is important to check the label of the cheese to ensure that it is made with pasteurized milk.
In addition to feta, other soft cheeses that are typically safe for pregnant women to eat when made with pasteurized milk include cottage cheese, mozzarella, ricotta, and goat cheese. It is always important to practice caution when consuming soft cheeses during pregnancy and to seek medical advice if there are any concerns.
Feta cheese made with pasteurized milk not only provides a safe option for pregnant women but also offers nutritional benefits. Feta is a good source of protein and vitamin D, which are both essential for fetal development and maternal health.
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Unpasteurized feta cheese may contain harmful bacteria
Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful type of bacteria that can be present in unpasteurized feta cheese and other soft cheeses. This bacteria can cause mild flu-like symptoms in most adults but can have severe consequences for pregnant women and their unborn babies. Listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, severe illness, or even death of the newborn. The risk of Listeria is higher in certain groups, including pregnant Hispanic women, who are 24 times more likely to develop listeriosis, according to the CDC.
To ensure the safety of pregnant women and their unborn babies, it is recommended to only consume feta cheese that has been made from pasteurized milk. When purchasing feta cheese, always look for a clear label that states "made from pasteurized milk" or "pasteurized." This applies to other soft cheeses as well, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, cream cheese, and goat cheese.
While commercially sold cheese and dairy products in the US are mostly pasteurized, it is crucial to read labels and confirm that any cheese consumed during pregnancy has been made with pasteurized milk. This precaution ensures the safety and well-being of both mother and child.
In summary, unpasteurized feta cheese may contain harmful bacteria, and it is essential for pregnant women to choose pasteurized options to reduce the risk of Listeria infection and its potentially severe consequences.
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Listeria can cause miscarriage, premature birth, or severe illness or death of a newborn
Feta cheese is a soft cheese that can be made from either pasteurized or unpasteurized milk. Unpasteurized feta cheese is unsafe for pregnant women to eat because it may contain Listeria, a bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a severe infection.
Listeriosis can cause mild flu-like symptoms in most adults, but it can be extremely dangerous for unborn babies and newborns. According to the CDC, listeriosis is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness. It can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or severe illness or death of a newborn.
The risk of Listeria contamination is not limited to feta cheese but is also present in other soft cheeses, cold cuts, and ready-to-eat meats such as hot dogs and deli meats. Even pasteurized products could contain Listeria if they are produced in a factory with unsanitary conditions. Therefore, it is crucial for pregnant women to check the labels of any cheese or dairy product they consume to ensure it is made from pasteurized milk.
However, it is important to note that even with proper pasteurization, there is always a slight risk of Listeria contamination in soft cheeses. This is because soft cheeses have more moisture, providing an environment for bacteria to grow. Cooking cheese until it is steaming hot can help reduce the risk of Listeria contamination.
In summary, pregnant women should avoid consuming unpasteurized feta cheese due to the risk of Listeria contamination, which can lead to severe health complications for both the mother and the unborn child. Instead, they should opt for feta cheese made from pasteurized milk, which is generally considered safe for consumption during pregnancy.
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Feta cheese is a good source of vitamin D and protein
Feta cheese is a soft, crumbly, and brined cheese with a salty flavour and slight tang. It is made mostly from sheep and goat milk. While feta cheese is a good source of vitamin D and protein, it is also high in sodium and saturated fat, which can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues. Therefore, it is best to consume feta in moderation.
Feta cheese is an excellent source of nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, and protein, which are beneficial for bone health. The calcium and protein help maintain bone density, while phosphorus is an essential bone mineral. Research has shown that consuming phosphorus and calcium together can improve bone density and prevent osteoporosis. Feta also contains beneficial bacteria and fatty acids, including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been shown to help reduce body fat.
Feta cheese is also a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for immunological function, eyesight, reproduction, and cellular processes. The fat content in feta allows vitamin A to be more easily absorbed by the body. In addition, feta contains vitamin B6, which, when combined with histidine, creates histamines that are part of the body's inflammatory reaction to injury and disease. Eating feta cheese can thus help boost immune strength, especially when combined with other antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables.
For most people, feta cheese is perfectly safe to eat and can be a delicious and healthy addition to one's diet. However, pregnant women should be cautious about consuming unpasteurized feta cheese, as it may contain Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria that can cause listeriosis. Listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, or severe illness or death of a newborn. To minimize the risk of Listeria infection, pregnant women should only consume feta cheese made from pasteurized milk and ensure that the label clearly states "made from pasteurized milk."
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Other cheeses to avoid during pregnancy include Brie, Camembert, and blue-veined cheeses
Feta cheese is generally considered safe to eat during pregnancy if it is made from pasteurized milk. The pasteurization process kills harmful bacteria, such as Listeria, which can cause mild flu-like symptoms in most adults but can be dangerous for unborn babies. Listeriosis, the infection caused by the bacteria, can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, or severe illness or death of a newborn. Therefore, it is important to only consume feta cheese that is clearly labeled as being made from pasteurized milk.
In general, hard cheeses are considered safe to consume during pregnancy, including cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyere. Pasteurized semi-hard and soft cheeses without a rind, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, ricotta, and cream cheese, are also safe options. It is always important to check the labels and ensure that the cheese is made from pasteurized milk to minimize the risk of listeriosis.
It is worth noting that the risk of Listeria contamination is not limited to cheese. Other foods that can contain Listeria include ready-to-eat meats like hot dogs and deli meats, as well as liver and liver products such as pâté. It is recommended to be cautious and consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice if there are any doubts or questions about a particular type of food during pregnancy.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese is safe to eat during pregnancy as long as it's made from pasteurized milk. Unpasteurized feta cheese may contain listeria, a bacteria that can cause mild flu-like symptoms in most adults but can be very dangerous for unborn babies.
Listeria can cause an infection called listeriosis, which can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, or severe illness or death of a newborn.
Feta cheese is a good source of vitamin D and protein, both of which are essential for fetal development and growth.
