Andy Montoya
Pregnancy can be a confusing time, with lots of conflicting advice about what you can and can't eat. Cheese is often mentioned as a food to be wary of, but is that the case for all cheeses? Cheddar is a hard cheese, and these are generally considered safe to eat during pregnancy, even if they're made with unpasteurised milk, as the risk of hard cheeses containing listeria bacteria is low. Listeria can cause listeriosis, a type of food poisoning which can be very serious during pregnancy. However, it's always best to check the label to make sure your cheese is pasteurised, as nearly all cheeses made in the US are pasteurised by default.
Is Cheddar Cheese Ok for Pregnancy?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hard cheese | Safe to eat |
| Pasteurized cheese | Safe to eat |
| Unpasteurized cheese | Avoid |
| Soft cheese with white rinds | Avoid |
| Baked soft cheese | Safe to eat |
| Listeria bacteria | Can be harmful during pregnancy |
| Miscarriage | Can be caused by listeriosis |
| Food | Honey is safe to eat |
| Drinks | Decaffeinated coffee and tea are safe to drink |
| Drinks | Alcohol should be avoided |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar is safe to eat during pregnancy, even if unpasteurised
Cheddar cheese is safe to eat during pregnancy, even if it is unpasteurised. The NHS recommends that all hard cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan and stilton, are safe to eat, even if they are made with unpasteurised milk. This is because hard cheeses contain less moisture than soft cheese, which reduces the risk of dangerous bacteria, such as listeria, growing. Listeria can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that can be harmful during pregnancy. However, the risk of hard cheeses containing listeria bacteria is low.
It is important to note that some sources recommend avoiding unpasteurised cheese during pregnancy. Pasteurisation is the process of heat-treating milk to destroy potentially harmful pathogens, such as Salmonella. In the United States, nearly all fresh (unaged, rindless) cheese is pasteurised by default. However, unpasteurised cheese may be encountered at a farmer's market or when buying imported cheese.
To be extra cautious, pregnant women can opt for aged pasteurised cheeses, such as aged gouda, cheddar, manchego, or parmesan. These cheeses have been aged long enough to kill any potential harmful bacteria. However, it is important to note that even these cheeses are not completely immune to the risks of cross-contamination.
Overall, while cheddar cheese is generally considered safe to eat during pregnancy, even if it is unpasteurised, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for specific dietary recommendations during pregnancy.
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Pasteurised cheese is safe to eat during pregnancy
Cheddar cheese is generally safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as it's pasteurized. Pasteurization is the process of heat-treating milk to destroy potentially harmful pathogens, such as Salmonella, that the milk may contain. In the United States, nearly all fresh (unaged, rindless) cheese is pasteurized, but you may encounter unpasteurized cheese at a farmer's market or if you buy imported cheese.
It's important to ensure that any cheese you consume during pregnancy is pasteurized to avoid the risk of Listeria infection, which can cause listeriosis. Listeriosis is a serious infection that can harm your baby and is more likely to develop during pregnancy due to weakened immune systems caused by hormonal changes. However, even pasteurized cheese carries a small risk of Listeria contamination due to the possibility of cross-contamination. Therefore, it's important to read labels carefully and choose reputable sources for your cheese.
If you're craving cheese that's typically unpasteurized, like soft cheeses, there are some alternatives that are safe to eat during pregnancy. Soft cheeses made from pasteurized milk, such as mozzarella, feta, ricotta, and goat's cheese (without a white rind), are generally safe. Baked soft cheeses, like baked camembert, are also safe to consume during pregnancy as heating the cheese kills any harmful bacteria.
In addition to pasteurization, the texture of the cheese also plays a role in its safety during pregnancy. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan, and gruyere, are generally safer than soft cheeses because they contain less moisture, reducing the chances of bacterial growth. However, it's important to note that even hard cheeses made from unpasteurized milk can be consumed safely, according to the NHS, as the risk of Listeria bacteria is low.
Overall, while enjoying your favorite cheeses during pregnancy, prioritizing pasteurized varieties and being mindful of the type of cheese and its source will help ensure a safe and delicious experience.
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Unpasteurised cheese should be avoided during pregnancy
Cheddar cheese is generally safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as it is made from pasteurized milk. In fact, hard cheeses such as cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, and Swiss-style hard cheeses are considered the safest choice during pregnancy, even if they are made from unpasteurized milk. This is because hard cheeses contain less moisture than soft cheese, which makes it difficult for potentially dangerous bacteria to grow.
However, unpasteurized cheese should be avoided during pregnancy. Unpasteurized cheese may contain bacteria such as Listeria, which can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that can harm the unborn baby. Listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm labor, or death in newborns. Pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than the general population.
To ensure food safety, the FDA has strict laws regarding the production, importation, and sale of cheese. If a cheese is less than 60 days old, it must be made from pasteurized milk. After 60 days, certain varieties may be made from pasteurized or unpasteurized milk, as the aging process is believed to kill any harmful bacteria.
Therefore, it is important to read labels carefully and choose pasteurized cheese during pregnancy. If you are unsure whether a cheese is pasteurized, it is best to avoid it unless it is cooked until steaming hot, as heating the cheese will kill any harmful bacteria.
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Some soft cheeses are safe to eat during pregnancy
Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese that is safe to eat during pregnancy. The NHS recommends that all hard cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan and Gruyere, are safe to eat, even if they are made with unpasteurised milk, as the risk of hard cheeses containing listeria bacteria is low.
Listeria is a bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a type of food poisoning. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can weaken your immune system, putting you more at risk of developing listeriosis, which can cause serious complications and lead to miscarriage.
Some soft cheeses are also safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as they are pasteurised. Examples of safe soft cheeses include mozzarella, feta, paneer, ricotta, halloumi, cream cheese, cottage cheese, cheese spreads, and goat's cheese without a white coating on the outside (rind).
It is important to note that soft cheeses with a white coating on the outside, such as Brie and Camembert, should be avoided during pregnancy unless they are cooked until steaming hot. Other soft cheeses that should be avoided include mould-ripened blue-veined cheeses such as Gorgonzola and Roquefort.
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Some mould-ripened soft cheeses should be avoided during pregnancy
Cheddar cheese is generally considered safe to eat during pregnancy. The NHS recommends that all hard cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan and stilton, are safe to eat, even if they're made with unpasteurized milk, as the risk of hard cheeses containing listeria bacteria is low. However, it's important to note that some mould-ripened soft cheeses should be avoided during pregnancy to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria.
Pregnant women are advised to avoid mould-ripened soft cheeses with a white coating on the outside, such as Brie, Camembert, and Chèvre. These cheeses can have higher levels of listeria bacteria, which can cause listeriosis, a serious type of food poisoning that can lead to miscarriage. To minimise the risk of listeriosis, it is recommended to avoid raw Camembert and opt for cooked varieties, ensuring that the cheese is thoroughly cooked until steaming hot.
Other mould-ripened soft cheeses that should be avoided during pregnancy include blue-veined cheeses such as Danish Blue, Gorgonzola, and Roquefort. These cheeses are also at a higher risk of containing listeria bacteria and should only be consumed if they are cooked until steaming hot. It is worth noting that hard blue cheeses, such as Stilton, are considered safe to consume during pregnancy without cooking.
While most types of cheese are safe to consume during pregnancy, it is always important to exercise caution. When in doubt, opt for hard cheeses or pasteurized soft cheeses, and always read the labels carefully to ensure the cheese is made with pasteurized milk. Additionally, when consuming cheese at a restaurant or when the label is unclear, choose cooked cheese dishes to minimise the risk of any potential bacterial contamination.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is safe to eat cheddar cheese during pregnancy. Hard cheeses like cheddar are considered safe because they contain less moisture, which reduces the likelihood of bacterial growth.
Pasteurised semi-hard and soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, feta, paneer, ricotta, halloumi, cream cheese, and goat's cheese without a white coating on the outside (rind), are also safe to eat.
Soft cheeses with a rind or blue veins, such as Brie or Gorgonzola, should be avoided as they are more prone to bacterial growth. Unpasteurised cheeses should also be avoided as they can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that can harm your baby.
Symptoms of listeriosis include diarrhoea, upset stomach, fever, and muscle aches. Listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm labour, or infection in the newborn.
To reduce the risk of listeriosis, avoid cheeses made from unpasteurised milk and soft cheeses that can harbour bacteria, such as Brie and Camembert. Cooking cheese until it's steaming hot can also kill harmful bacteria.
