Bushra Griffith
Feta and blue cheese are two varieties of cheese that pregnant women are often told to avoid. This is because soft cheeses can carry the listeria bacteria, which can be very harmful to an unborn baby. However, as long as the cheese is pasteurized, it is generally considered safe to consume during pregnancy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is feta cheese safe during pregnancy? | Feta cheese made from pasteurized milk is likely safe to eat during pregnancy. |
| What is pasteurization? | Pasteurization is a form of food processing that involves heating milk to a particular temperature to kill harmful bacteria or dangerous germs and then quickly cooling it. |
| Why is pasteurization important during pregnancy? | Unpasteurized cheese can carry a rare but deadly germ called Listeria, which can cause miscarriage, intrauterine infection, serious developmental problems for the baby, premature delivery, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns. |
| How to know if feta cheese is pasteurized? | Check the label on the cheese packaging to ensure it is made from pasteurized milk. Look for labels that say "pasteurized" or "made with pasteurized milk." |
| Risks associated with feta cheese during pregnancy | Feta cheese is high in sodium and saturated fat, so moderation is key. |
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What You'll Learn
- Feta and blue cheese are safe during pregnancy if they're pasteurised
- Unpasteurised feta and blue cheese may contain listeria, which is harmful to unborn babies
- Listeria can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and severe illness in newborns
- Pasteurisation is a form of food processing that kills bacteria without destroying nutrients
- Most commercially sold cheese in the US is pasteurised, and therefore safe to eat
Feta and blue cheese are safe during pregnancy if they're pasteurised
Feta and blue cheese can be safe to eat during pregnancy, but only if they are pasteurised. Pasteurisation is a process that involves heating milk to a particular temperature to kill off any harmful bacteria, such as listeria, and then quickly cooling it. The presence of listeria can lead to a condition called listeriosis, which is especially harmful to pregnant women. Listeriosis can cause miscarriage, intrauterine infection, and serious developmental problems for the baby.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that pregnant women should only consider eating feta cheese if they know it has been made from pasteurised milk. The FDA also recommends avoiding soft cheeses made from unpasteurised milk, such as Brie, Camembert, and blue-veined cheeses, which include some types of blue cheese. It is important to always check the label to ensure that the cheese is made from pasteurised milk.
According to Dr Renita White, an OB-GYN, "As long as the cheese is pasteurised, it is safe for pregnant women to eat feta cheese and other soft cheeses". She also notes that most cheeses in the US are pasteurised. However, it is always good to double-check the label to be sure.
While feta and blue cheese can be safe during pregnancy if pasteurised, it is worth noting that they are still high in sodium and saturated fat, so moderation is key.
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Unpasteurised feta and blue cheese may contain listeria, which is harmful to unborn babies
Feta and blue cheese are both soft cheeses, and soft cheeses are particularly likely to contain listeria. This is because they are typically made from unpasteurised milk, which has not been heated to kill potential bacteria or dangerous germs. In fact, the CDC reports that listeriosis is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness, and pregnant women are 10 times more likely than other people to get a listeria infection.
However, it is important to note that not all feta and blue cheese are unsafe during pregnancy. If the cheese is made from pasteurised milk, it is generally considered safe to consume during pregnancy. Pasteurisation is a form of food processing that safely destroys bacteria in dairy products without destroying nutrients. Most of the cheese sold in the US is made from pasteurised milk, and it is always best to check the label to be sure.
Overall, while unpasteurised feta and blue cheese may contain listeria which is harmful to unborn babies, pasteurised versions of these cheeses are generally safe to consume during pregnancy.
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Listeria can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and severe illness in newborns
Listeria is a foodborne bacterial illness that can cause severe complications during pregnancy. While it may only cause mild, flu-like symptoms in pregnant women, it can have devastating consequences for the baby. Listeria can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and severe illness in newborns.
Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. Listeria infection can cause inflammation and damage to the placenta, leading to miscarriage. The risk of miscarriage is higher in the first trimester when the fetus is more vulnerable and the mother's immune system is altered, making it harder to fight off infections.
Stillbirth refers to the loss of a pregnancy after the 20th week of gestation. Listeria can cause stillbirth by infecting the placenta and interfering with the baby's oxygen and nutrient supply. It can also lead to severe infections in the baby, resulting in stillbirth.
Premature birth is when a baby is born too early, before the 37th week of pregnancy. Listeria infection can stimulate the release of prostaglandins and cytokines, causing preterm labor and premature birth. Premature babies are at higher risk of health complications and may require specialized care.
Newborns infected with listeria can develop severe illnesses, including blood infections (sepsis) and meningitis. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can lead to long-term complications such as intellectual disability, seizures, and paralysis. Prompt antibiotic treatment can help curb the effects of listeria infection and prevent severe complications.
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Pasteurisation is a form of food processing that kills bacteria without destroying nutrients
It is important for pregnant women to be cautious about the food they consume, as certain foods can pose health risks for both the mother and the unborn child. One of the key concerns is the presence of harmful bacteria, such as Listeria monocytogenes, which can lead to serious complications during pregnancy. This is where pasteurization comes into play as a crucial food processing technique.
Pasteurization is a process specifically designed to kill potentially harmful bacteria and dangerous germs in food products, particularly dairy. It involves heating the milk to a specific temperature and then quickly cooling it down. This process effectively eliminates bacteria without compromising the nutritional value of the product. The absence of harmful bacteria makes pasteurized food safer for consumption during pregnancy, reducing the risk of bacterial infections that could be detrimental to both mother and child.
Feta cheese, for example, is often mentioned as a food item that requires caution during pregnancy. This is because it is a soft cheese, and soft cheeses are more likely to harbour harmful bacteria. However, if feta cheese is made from pasteurized milk, it is generally considered safe to consume during pregnancy. The pasteurization process ensures that any potentially harmful bacteria are eliminated, reducing the risk of bacterial infections such as listeriosis, which can have severe consequences for pregnant women and their unborn children.
It is worth noting that while pasteurization significantly reduces the risk of bacterial contamination, it does not completely eliminate all risks associated with food consumption during pregnancy. Even pasteurized products could potentially contain bacteria if they are produced in facilities with unsanitary conditions. Therefore, it is always advisable for pregnant women to be vigilant and check the labels of any food products they consume, ensuring that they specifically state that the product is made from pasteurized milk. Additionally, practising moderation in consumption can also help maintain a healthy diet during pregnancy.
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Most commercially sold cheese in the US is pasteurised, and therefore safe to eat
It is generally advised that pregnant women avoid eating soft cheeses, including feta and blue cheese, due to the risk of listeria contamination. However, most commercially sold cheese in the US is pasteurized, and therefore safe to eat during pregnancy.
Pasteurization is a process that involves heating milk to a particular temperature to kill harmful bacteria and dangerous germs, such as Listeria monocytogenes, which can be very harmful to unborn babies. The pasteurization process ensures that cheese is safe to consume, and it does not destroy the nutrients in dairy products. According to Dr. Renita White, an OB-GYN, "as long as the cheese is pasteurized, it is safe for pregnant women to eat feta cheese and other soft cheeses."
The key to ensuring the safety of cheese during pregnancy is pasteurization. The CDC and other health organizations emphasize that all cheese and dairy products consumed during pregnancy should be made with pasteurized milk. This recommendation is based on the risk of listeria infection, which is especially dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn babies. Listeria can lead to serious complications, including miscarriage, intrauterine infection, and developmental problems in the baby.
Therefore, when choosing cheese during pregnancy, it is important to read the labels carefully. Look for cheese that is clearly labeled "pasteurized" or "made with pasteurized milk." This includes most commercially sold cheese in the US, such as hard cheeses like cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan, and semi-hard soft cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, cottage cheese, and most feta. However, some types of feta, brie, Camembert, blue-veined cheeses, and Mexican queso fresco are made with unpasteurized milk, so it is crucial to check the labels to ensure they are pasteurized.
In summary, while soft cheeses like feta and blue cheese have been associated with risks during pregnancy, most commercially sold cheese in the US is pasteurized and safe to consume. Pregnant women can enjoy a variety of cheeses as long as they confirm that the cheese is made with pasteurized milk by checking the labels.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese made from pasteurized milk is likely safe to eat during pregnancy. The pasteurization process kills harmful bacteria, including Listeria, which can be very harmful to the unborn baby.
Unpasteurized cheese can carry a rare but deadly germ called Listeria, which can cause miscarriage, intrauterine infection, and serious developmental problems for the baby.
Always check the label to ensure the cheese is made from pasteurized milk.
Yes, other soft cheeses that are usually pasteurized include cottage cheese, ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, and goat cheese.
Blue cheese is often made with unpasteurized milk, such as Roquefort and gorgonzola. However, most commercially sold cheese in the US is pasteurized, so as long as you check the label, you can enjoy a variety of blue-veined cheeses.
