Randy Chandler
Feta cheese is a soft cheese that is often used as a topping on Domino's pizzas. It is generally considered safe to consume pasteurized feta cheese, even during pregnancy, as the pasteurization process eliminates harmful bacteria. However, unpasteurized feta cheese may pose risks due to the potential presence of Listeria, which can be harmful to pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems. While most cheese in the US is pasteurized, it is advisable to exercise caution when consuming soft cheeses like feta to ensure food safety.
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese is usually safe to eat when pasteurized
Feta cheese is a soft cheese that is typically made with unpasteurized milk. However, in most parts of the world today, it is challenging to come across unpasteurized cheese unless one is at a fancy or artisanal establishment. In the United States, most cheese is pasteurized, and it is rare to find unpasteurized cheese unless it is from a small, local dairy farm that produces small batches of cheese.
Feta cheese is generally safe to eat when pasteurized. When feta cheese is pasteurized, it is safe for consumption by pregnant women, who are usually advised to avoid soft cheeses due to the risk of listeria. However, some sources suggest that even when pasteurized, feta cheese should be cooked before consumption during pregnancy.
It is important to note that the safety of consuming feta cheese, or any cheese, also depends on individual health considerations and tolerance levels. Some people may experience digestive issues or allergies when consuming dairy products, including cheese. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a nutritionist to determine the suitability of consuming feta cheese or any specific type of cheese based on individual health needs and preferences.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that while feta cheese is often associated with Greek cuisine and is commonly used in dishes like spinach pie (spanakopita) and salads, it is produced in various regions worldwide, including the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. The production methods and pasteurization processes may vary across different producers and regions, potentially impacting the safety of the cheese.
In summary, feta cheese is typically safe to consume when pasteurized, but it is important to be aware of the source of the cheese and to consider individual health needs and recommendations from healthcare professionals when making dietary choices involving feta cheese or any other type of cheese.
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Unpasteurized feta is rare in the US
Feta cheese is a soft cheese that is often made using unpasteurized milk, which can carry a bacteria called listeria. This can cause a very severe type of food poisoning called listeriosis, which can lead to hospitalization and, in rare cases, death. As a result, unpasteurized feta is considered unsafe for consumption, especially for those who are pregnant, immunocompromised, very young, or very old.
In the United States, most feta cheese products are made with pasteurized milk, making them safe for consumption. Pasteurization involves heating milk to very high temperatures (162°F/72.2°C) for 15 seconds to destroy any harmful bacteria, including listeria. This process partially sterilizes the milk used to make the cheese, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
According to sources, almost all feta cheese products purchased in U.S. supermarkets and restaurants are made with pasteurized milk. Federal laws, such as those governed by the United States Food and Drug Administration, regulate the consumption of raw and unpasteurized milk products. Many individual states have also banned or restricted the sale of raw dairy products, further reducing the availability of unpasteurized feta.
While it is rare, unpasteurized feta may still be found in certain specialty stores or restaurants. Products imported or advertised as "authentic" are more likely to contain unpasteurized milk. However, even in these cases, the likelihood of encountering unpasteurized feta in the U.S. is low due to strict regulations and the potential liability for businesses. Therefore, consumers can generally be assured that the feta cheese they purchase in the U.S. has been pasteurized and is safe for consumption.
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Feta is a soft cheese, which is unsafe during pregnancy
It is widely recommended that pregnant women exercise caution when consuming soft cheeses such as feta. This is because soft cheeses are more likely to be made with unpasteurized milk, which may contain harmful bacteria. The primary concern with consuming unpasteurized soft cheese during pregnancy is the risk of exposure to Listeria monocytogenes, a type of bacteria that can be harmful to the unborn baby.
Feta cheese made from pasteurized milk is generally considered safe for consumption during pregnancy. Pasteurization eliminates harmful bacteria, making the cheese safe to eat. However, it is important to note that even pasteurized products may contain bacteria if produced in unsanitary conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to only consume feta cheese with a clear label indicating that it is made from pasteurized milk.
In addition to feta, other soft cheeses that should be approached with caution during pregnancy include goat cheese, Brie, Camembert, blue cheese, and Mexican queso fresco or queso blanco. These cheeses are more commonly made with unpasteurized milk, increasing the risk of bacterial contamination.
To minimize the risk of consuming harmful bacteria, it is recommended to opt for harder cheeses such as cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyere, as these are less likely to be made with unpasteurized milk. Thoroughly cooking soft cheeses until they are steaming hot can also reduce the risk of bacterial exposure. However, it is always important to check the labels and ensure that the cheese is made from pasteurized milk, regardless of its texture or cooking method.
While it is important to take precautions, it is worth noting that the risk of encountering unpasteurized cheese in modern times is relatively low, especially in the United States. Most cheese sold in the US is pasteurized, and unpasteurized cheese is typically found only in fancy or artisanal settings, such as upscale grocery stores or small local dairy farms. Nonetheless, pregnant women should remain vigilant and prioritize their safety and the well-being of their unborn children.
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Feta is safe to eat when cooked
Feta cheese is a soft, white, and brined cheese that originated in Greece. It is used in many Mediterranean dishes, ranging from appetizers to desserts. Feta is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product, meaning that only cheese made in certain areas of Greece can be called "feta".
While feta cheese is generally safe to eat when cooked, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, feta is a soft cheese, and soft cheeses are more likely to be made with unpasteurized milk than harder cheeses. Unpasteurized cheese may be contaminated with bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes, which can be harmful to pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products, including soft cheeses like feta. However, in modern times, unpasteurized cheese is rarely found unless one is at a fancy or artisanal establishment. Most cheese in the US, including that used on a $7 pizza, is pasteurized.
Another thing to consider is the sodium content of feta cheese. Feta is relatively high in sodium, containing 312 mg of sodium in a 1-ounce (28-gram) serving, which can account for up to 13% of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI). People who are sensitive to salt can reduce the salt content of feta by rinsing the cheese with water before eating it. Additionally, feta is an unripened cheese, which means it has a higher lactose content than aged cheeses. Individuals who are allergic or intolerant to lactose should avoid consuming unripened cheeses, including feta.
Feta cheese also has some health benefits. It is a good source of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), which may improve body composition and help prevent diabetes and cancer. A study has shown that the use of bacterial cultures in the making of feta cheese could help increase the concentration of CLA. Additionally, Greece has the lowest incidence of breast cancer and the highest consumption of cheese in the European Union.
In summary, feta cheese is generally safe to eat when cooked, but there are some considerations to keep in mind, especially for pregnant women and individuals with specific health conditions or dietary restrictions.
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Listeria is a concern with unpasteurized feta
Listeriosis is a serious infection caused by the bacteria Listeria, which can be found in unpasteurized dairy products such as feta cheese. While Listeria may not cause severe symptoms in healthy adults, it poses a significant risk to pregnant women and their unborn babies. This is because Listeria can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or a life-threatening infection in the newborn.
Unpasteurized feta cheese has a higher risk of carrying harmful bacteria, including Listeria, which can cause Listeriosis. Listeriosis is a serious infection that can have severe consequences, especially for pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid consuming unpasteurized feta cheese to reduce the risk of contracting Listeriosis.
The pasteurization process involves heating milk to a specific temperature to kill harmful bacteria, including Listeria. This process ensures that the milk and its derivatives are safe for consumption, significantly reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Most commercially available feta cheeses are pasteurized, but it is always essential to verify by checking the labels on the packaging.
To ensure food safety and reduce the risk of Listeriosis, it is recommended to consume only pasteurized feta cheese. When buying feta cheese, always check the packaging to confirm that it is made from pasteurized milk. If you are eating out or ordering food, don't hesitate to ask if the feta cheese used is pasteurized. Additionally, cooking feta cheese at high temperatures can further reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
In summary, Listeria is a concern with unpasteurized feta cheese, especially for pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems. To minimize the risk of Listeriosis, it is crucial to choose pasteurized feta cheese and practice safe food handling and preparation.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unclear whether Domino's uses pasteurized feta cheese. However, it is unlikely that a $7 pizza would contain unpasteurized cheese.
Feta is a soft cheese that is more apt to be made with unpasteurized milk than harder cheeses. Unpasteurized cheese may contain the bacteria listeria, which can be harmful during pregnancy.
Unpasteurized cheese is usually found at fancy or artisanal locations, like small local farms or upscale grocery stores.
As long as the feta cheese is thoroughly cooked and heated, it should be safe to eat during pregnancy.
