Randy Chandler
Feta cheese is a popular addition to salads, veggies, and more. However, some people avoid consuming it during pregnancy due to potential health risks associated with unpasteurized cheese. Athenos, a well-known brand of feta cheese, addresses this concern by clearly stating on its website and product packaging that its feta cheese is made with pasteurized part-skim milk. This information is crucial for consumers, especially pregnant individuals, as it ensures the safety and peace of mind when enjoying this delicious cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pasteurized | Yes |
| Ingredients | Pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, powdered cellulose, natamycin |
| Allergens | Milk |
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What You'll Learn
Athenos feta cheese is made with pasteurized milk
According to the Athenos website and the container label, their feta cheese is made with pasteurized part-skim milk. This means that pregnant women, who are often advised to avoid soft cheeses like feta due to the risk of listeria, can safely enjoy Athenos feta cheese. The pasteurization process eliminates any harmful bacteria, making it a safe choice for pregnant women and anyone concerned about food safety.
In addition to pasteurization, Athenos feta cheese also contains cheese culture, salt, and enzymes, which play important roles in the cheese-making process and contribute to the characteristic flavor and texture of feta cheese. The use of part-skim milk also reduces the fat content of the cheese, making it a healthier option compared to cheeses made with whole milk.
The pasteurization of milk is a standard practice in the dairy industry, particularly in the United States. While some specialty cheeses may use unpasteurized milk, also known as raw milk, the majority of cheeses, including Athenos feta cheese, are made with pasteurized milk to ensure food safety and meet regulatory requirements.
Overall, the fact that Athenos feta cheese is made with pasteurized milk provides consumers with the assurance of safety and quality. This allows individuals, including those with specific dietary restrictions or concerns, to incorporate feta cheese into their meals without compromising their health or well-being. Whether enjoyed as a topping on salads or veggies, Athenos feta cheese made with pasteurized milk offers a delicious and safe option for cheese lovers.
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Most US cheeses are pasteurized
In the United States, most cheeses are pasteurized. Pasteurization is the process of heating a liquid or food to a high enough temperature to kill potentially harmful bacteria, making the product safe to consume. This process is especially important for dairy products, as raw milk can be unsafe for certain individuals, such as infants, young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised.
According to the FDA, CDC, and other US agencies, raw milk can pose health risks, and unpasteurized cheese is generally not recommended for these vulnerable populations. As a result, most cheese producers in the US opt for pasteurization to ensure the safety of their products.
However, it is important to note that unpasteurized cheese is not entirely absent from the US market. While the FDA banned interstate sales of raw milk in 1987, unpasteurized dairy products can still be sold within certain states. Currently, 29 American states allow the sale of raw milk products, providing opportunities for consumers who prefer unpasteurized cheese.
Athenos, a popular brand of feta cheese in the US, uses pasteurized part-skim milk in its products. This information is clearly stated on their website and product containers. For consumers who enjoy feta cheese but have concerns about food safety, Athenos provides a pasteurized option that can be safely incorporated into various dishes.
While the majority of US cheeses are pasteurized, consumers who prefer unpasteurized cheese or seek more variety may explore options from other countries. In Europe, for example, raw milk cheese is widely enjoyed, and some connoisseurs believe that it offers superior taste compared to its pasteurized counterparts. Ultimately, the choice between pasteurized and unpasteurized cheese depends on individual preferences, health considerations, and regional availability.
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It's safe to eat during pregnancy
It is safe to consume Athenos feta cheese during pregnancy as it is made with pasteurized milk. On the Athenos website and the container, it is clearly mentioned that the cheese is made with pasteurized part-skim milk. This means that pregnant women can safely consume it without worrying about the risks associated with unpasteurized cheese.
During pregnancy, it is generally recommended to avoid soft cheeses such as feta cheese unless they are pasteurized. This is because unpasteurized cheeses can contain harmful bacteria such as Listeria, which can cross the placenta and cause serious infections in the fetus. However, when the cheese is made with pasteurized milk, this risk is eliminated, making it safe for consumption during pregnancy.
In the United States, almost all cheeses are pasteurized, and feta cheese is widely available in pasteurized form. The process of pasteurization involves heating the milk used to make the cheese to a high temperature, which kills any harmful bacteria that may be present. This ensures that the cheese is safe for consumption and significantly reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Pregnant women can safely include pasteurized feta cheese in their diets, adding it to salads, vegetables, and other dishes. However, it is always recommended to check the labels and confirm that the cheese is indeed made with pasteurized milk. Additionally, practicing overall food safety and maintaining good hygiene when handling and consuming cheese is important to further minimize any potential risks.
Overall, Athenos feta cheese, made with pasteurized milk, is a safe and delicious option for pregnant women to enjoy without worry, providing a good source of calcium and protein during this important stage of their lives.
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It's available in a crumbled form
Feta cheese is a popular addition to salads, veggies, and more. Athenos, a brand of feta cheese, is made with pasteurized part-skim milk, as indicated on its website and product container. This information is particularly relevant for pregnant individuals, as soft cheeses that are not pasteurized are typically advised against during pregnancy. Athenos feta cheese is available in a crumbled form, which can be conveniently added to various dishes. This crumbled feta cheese is listed as containing pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, powdered cellulose to prevent caking, and natamycin (a natural mould inhibitor). The product label also includes a disclosure that it contains milk.
The availability of pasteurized feta cheese, such as Athenos, is essential for individuals who want to enjoy feta cheese during pregnancy safely. The pasteurization process eliminates harmful bacteria, making it suitable for consumption by pregnant individuals who must be cautious about consuming certain soft, unpasteurized cheeses. By choosing pasteurized options like Athenos, pregnant individuals can satisfy their cravings and include feta cheese in their diets without compromising their health or that of their unborn child.
The crumbled form of Athenos feta cheese offers versatility in the kitchen. It can be easily sprinkled over salads, added to pasta dishes, or used as a topping for soups or appetizers. The crumbles provide a convenient way to add flavour and texture to various recipes. For example, one could create a Greek-inspired salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and the crumbled feta cheese, drizzled with olive oil and vinegar. The cheese adds a salty, tangy flavour to the dish, complementing the fresh vegetables.
Additionally, the crumbled feta cheese can be mixed with herbs and spices to create delicious spreads or dips. For instance, blending the crumbled cheese with olive oil, garlic, and Mediterranean spices can result in a tasty dip for pita chips or vegetables. The crumbles' ability to blend smoothly with other ingredients makes it a versatile base for creating unique and flavourful combinations.
Athenos feta cheese, made with pasteurized part-skim milk, offers a safe and tasty option for individuals seeking to incorporate feta cheese into their diets, including those with specific dietary considerations like pregnancy. The crumbled form of this cheese further enhances its convenience and versatility, making it a handy ingredient for creating delicious meals, snacks, and appetizers. Whether used in salads, pastas, or dips, Athenos crumbled feta cheese provides a convenient and flavourful addition to various recipes.
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It contains natamycin, a natural mold inhibitor
Athenos feta cheese is made with pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and powdered cellulose to prevent caking. It also contains natamycin, a natural mould inhibitor. Natamycin is a natural antifungal agent produced during fermentation by certain strains of bacteria, such as Streptomyces natalensis. It is often used as a preservative in dairy products, including cheese, to prevent the growth of mould and extend the product's shelf life. Natamycin is generally recognized as safe for human consumption and is effective at low concentrations, inhibiting mould growth without affecting the quality or flavour of the cheese.
Natamycin is a natural compound that belongs to a class of antifungal agents known as macrolides. It has a complex chemical structure that includes a large lactone ring, to which various sugars are attached. This structure allows natamycin to bind tightly to ergosterol, a component of fungal cell membranes, disrupting their function and inhibiting the growth of mould and yeast. The compound is effective against a wide range of mould and yeast species commonly found in food products, including those that produce mycotoxins, which can be harmful to human health.
The inclusion of natamycin in Athenos feta cheese helps to maintain the quality and safety of the product. By inhibiting mould growth, natamycin prevents spoilage and extends the shelf life of the cheese, ensuring that it remains edible and flavourful for a longer period. This reduces food waste but also provides consumers with a product that can be stored and enjoyed over a more extended period. Additionally, natamycin helps protect the cheese from mould contamination, reducing the risk of mycotoxin production and ensuring the product is safe for consumption.
Natamycin is generally considered safe for human consumption and is approved for use in food products in many countries, including the United States. However, it is important to note that individuals with sensitivities or allergies to certain mould inhibitors may need to avoid products containing natamycin. For these individuals, the presence of natamycin in Athenos feta cheese would be a relevant consideration when making purchasing decisions or consuming the product. Nonetheless, for the majority of consumers, the inclusion of natamycin in pasteurized feta cheese provides an effective and safe way to inhibit mould growth and maintain the quality and safety of the product throughout its intended shelf life.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Athenos feta cheese is made with pasteurized part-skim milk.
Feta cheese is made from pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and sometimes powdered cellulose and natamycin.
Soft cheeses like feta are generally not recommended during pregnancy unless they are pasteurized. Athenos feta cheese is made with pasteurized milk, so it should be safe to eat while pregnant. However, always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for specific advice.
You can check the label on the feta cheese packaging to determine if it has been pasteurized. Look for an indication that it is made with pasteurized milk, or specifically search for the "pasteurized" label.
Unpasteurized soft cheeses like feta can pose a higher risk of foodborne illness due to the potential presence of harmful bacteria. It is always recommended to opt for pasteurized cheeses when possible to minimize any potential health risks.
