Asking About Pasteurization: A Diner's Guide To Cheese Etiquette

Whether you're pregnant or simply health-conscious, it's important to know whether the cheese you're consuming has been pasteurized. While it's easy to check the label when buying cheese in a store, it's not always so straightforward when eating out at a restaurant. In such cases, it's perfectly reasonable to ask the waiter or chef whether the cheese in your meal is pasteurized. However, as some online commenters have pointed out, staff may not always know the answer, especially in larger restaurants with more complex supply chains. In such cases, it may be worth asking to speak to the kitchen manager, who is more likely to be informed about the ingredients used in each dish. If you're still unsure, it's probably best to avoid the cheese altogether.

Ask the kitchen manager at large restaurants

If you are at a large restaurant and want to know if the cheese is pasteurized, it is best to ask the kitchen manager. They will be knowledgeable about the ingredients used in the dishes and whether or not they are pasteurized. This is especially important if you are pregnant, as unpasteurized cheese can pose health risks to both mother and baby.

In the United States, it is illegal to sell unpasteurized cheese commercially, and it is very difficult to obtain unpasteurized milk due to strict FDA regulations. However, some states allow the sale of raw milk within their borders, and some raw milk cheeses are legal if they are aged for several months. Therefore, it is always a good idea to ask, especially if you are at a "`farm to table` restaurant or a high-end establishment that may source their own ingredients.

When asking the kitchen manager, be sure to specify that you want to know if the cheese is pasteurized, and if you are ordering a dish with multiple types of cheese, ask about each one. It is also a good idea to mention that you are pregnant, as this will emphasize the importance of a correct answer. For example, you could say, "Excuse me, I am pregnant and wanted to know if the cheese in this dish is pasteurized. I believe it is a type of soft cheese, possibly feta or brie. Could you please check with the kitchen manager?"

If you are unsure about the cheese used in a dish, it is always best to err on the side of caution and choose something else. Your health is more important than the convenience of eating a particular food item.

Avoid soft cheeses like feta, brie, and cheese dips

When eating out, it's important to be cautious about the type of cheese you consume, especially if you're pregnant. While it's rare to find unpasteurized cheese in the US, it's always good to ask. If you're unsure, don't eat it.

Soft cheeses like feta, brie, and cheese dips should generally be avoided. These cheeses are un-ripened and made by coagulating casein (milk proteins) with acid. They have a higher moisture content, which makes it easier for bacteria to grow. This means they can pose a higher risk of foodborne illnesses. In addition, soft cheeses tend to have a higher fat content, which can contribute to heart health concerns.

Feta, a Greek cheese, is traditionally made by mixing 30% goat's milk with sheep's milk, but cow's milk feta is also available. It can range from mild and creamy to intense, salty, and full-flavored. Feta is often crumbled or sprinkled on salads or melted on pizza and pasta.

Brie, a French soft cheese, is made from cow's milk and has a runny, buttery texture. Its flavor can vary depending on what's added during the cheese-making process. It is typically eaten at room temperature, allowing its rich, creamy texture to shine.

Cheese dips, such as those made with Boursin cheese, can be a delicious spread for crackers and toasts. Boursin is made from pasteurized cow's milk and has a crumbly yet spreadable texture. While it's versatile and can be added to salads and pasta, it's important to remember that soft cheeses, like cheese dips, may have a higher risk of foodborne illness.

When in doubt, it's best to choose harder, aged cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss, or Parmesan. These cheeses have lower moisture content and a longer shelf life, reducing the risk of bacterial growth. They also tend to have a lower fat content, which can be beneficial for those concerned about heart health. Remember to always read labels and ask questions when dining out to make informed choices about the cheese you consume.

If the cheese is melted, it's likely pasteurized

When eating out, it can be difficult to know whether the cheese in your meal is pasteurized or not. This is especially important for pregnant women, infants, young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised, who are advised to avoid unpasteurized cheese and milk products. If you're unsure, it's always best to ask.

If the cheese in your meal is melted, it's likely pasteurized. This is because the melting point of cheese is hot enough to kill any harmful bacteria, such as listeria. So, if you're concerned about consuming unpasteurized cheese, opting for a dish with melted cheese can be a safer choice.

However, it's important to note that not all cheeses melt the same way. Some cheeses, such as cheddar, are more likely to become oily and separate when heated, rather than melting smoothly. In such cases, the cheese may still be safe to consume, but it's always a good idea to check with the restaurant staff if you're unsure.

Additionally, while melted cheese is likely pasteurized, it's important to consider the other ingredients in your dish. For example, if you're ordering a pizza with melted cheese, the other toppings may pose a risk of foodborne illness, especially if the pizza has been pre-prepared and left at room temperature.

In general, when dining out, it's a good idea to ask the server or kitchen staff about the ingredients in your meal if you have any concerns. They should be able to provide you with information about the cheese used in the dish, including whether it's pasteurized or not. If you're still unsure, you can also opt for dishes that use harder cheeses, as these are less likely to be unpasteurized.

Ask the waiter/waitress, and if unsure, don't eat it

When eating out, it's important to be cautious about the food you consume, especially if you have dietary restrictions or are pregnant. If you're unsure whether the cheese used in a dish is pasteurized, the best course of action is to ask the waiter or waitress. They will be able to provide information about the ingredients used in the restaurant's dishes.

However, in some cases, the waitstaff may not have the necessary information readily available. If you find yourself in this situation, it's best to err on the side of caution and refrain from consuming the cheese or dish in question. You can politely decline by explaining your concerns to the waiter or waitress, who should understand and respect your decision.

It's always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your health. By asking the waiter or waitress about the pasteurization status of the cheese, you can make an informed decision about what to eat. If they are unsure or unable to provide a clear answer, it's best to choose a different option from the menu.

In some cases, you may be able to request that the kitchen staff use pasteurized cheese in your dish, especially if it's a simple substitution. However, this may not always be possible, depending on the dish and the restaurant's policies. Remember to be kind and understanding when making special requests, as the staff will want to ensure your satisfaction and safety.

If you're still unsure or uncomfortable with the information provided, it's perfectly fine to skip the cheese or choose a different restaurant. Your health and peace of mind should be a priority, and there's no harm in being cautious. You can always call ahead or check the restaurant's website to inquire about their ingredients and food preparation practices.

Check the label

If you want to know whether the cheese you're eating at a restaurant is pasteurized, the simplest way is to check the label. In the US, unpasteurized cheese is illegal to sell commercially, so it must be labelled as such. If you're in the US, you can assume that any cheese without a label stating otherwise is pasteurized.

However, in some countries, such as Italy, unpasteurized cheese is more common and less regulated. If you're travelling, it's a good idea to research the local laws around cheese pasteurization and labelling requirements. If in doubt, ask your server or refer to the restaurant's menu, which may include a disclaimer about the use of unpasteurized cheese.

In the US, some states allow the sale of raw milk and cheese, but these must be marketed and labelled as such and aged for at least 60 days. This is because dangerous bacteria, such as listeria, cannot survive past this period, so the lengthened aging process makes the cheese safer to consume.

Frequently asked questions