Bushra Griffith
Feta cheese is a soft cheese that is made from pasteurized milk. While it is generally safe to consume, there are some risks associated with eating feta cheese during pregnancy. The main concern is the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria that can be found in dairy products and other animal products like meat and can cause serious issues for both the mother and the unborn child. To minimize the risk of infection, pregnant women should only consume feta cheese that is clearly labeled as made from pasteurized milk, as the pasteurization process kills harmful bacteria. Cooking the cheese until it is steaming hot also reduces the risk of listeriosis. While feta cheese can provide important nutrients like protein and vitamin D, it is crucial for pregnant women to be cautious and prioritize food safety to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Feta cheese is generally safe for pregnant women when it is pasteurized |
| Risks | Feta cheese that is unpasteurized may contain bacteria that can cause miscarriage or other serious consequences for the unborn child |
| Benefits | Feta cheese is a good source of protein and vitamin D, which are important for fetal development and can help prevent preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, low birth weight, and childhood asthma |
| Alternatives | Pregnant women can eat hard cheeses such as cheddar and parmesan, or other pasteurized soft cheeses like cottage cheese, mozzarella, ricotta, and goat's cheese without a rind |
| Symptoms | Be aware of the symptoms of listeriosis and seek medical treatment if you develop them |
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What You'll Learn
- Feta is a good source of protein and vitamin D, which are important for fetal development
- Unpasteurized feta may contain harmful bacteria, such as Listeria, which can cause miscarriage
- Pasteurized feta is generally safe to eat during pregnancy
- Soft cheeses with a white rind have more moisture, which makes it easier for bacteria to grow
- Cooking cheese until it's steaming hot kills bacteria, reducing the risk of listeriosis
Feta is a good source of protein and vitamin D, which are important for fetal development
Feta cheese is a soft, white, and brined cheese that originated in Greece. It is made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk, with goat's milk not exceeding 30% of the mixture. The cheese is usually made with pasteurized milk, but it can also be raw.
Feta is a good source of protein, with 1 ounce containing about 4 grams. Getting enough protein during pregnancy is important for fetal growth and brain development. It is also necessary for tissue growth and blood volume expansion in the mother.
Feta is also a source of vitamin D, which is essential for fetal development. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to various issues in both mothers and babies, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, low birth weight, and childhood asthma. The recommended amount of vitamin D during pregnancy is generally 400-600 IU, usually taken as a prenatal vitamin.
While feta has these nutritional benefits, it is important to note that it is a soft cheese, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that soft cheeses can contain bacteria that are harmful to the unborn baby, even if they are pasteurized. Listeria monocytogenes is one such bacterium, and it can be found in dairy products like cheese. Therefore, while feta can provide valuable protein and vitamin D during pregnancy, it is important to consume it safely, ensuring it is manufactured from pasteurized milk and being aware of the symptoms of listeriosis.
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Unpasteurized feta may contain harmful bacteria, such as Listeria, which can cause miscarriage
Unpasteurized feta cheese may contain harmful bacteria, such as Listeria, which can cause miscarriage, premature labour, low birth weight, infant death, or serious developmental problems. Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful type of bacteria that can be found in dairy products like cheese and meat or foods grown in contaminated soil. It can also be found in meat products like cold cuts and hot dogs.
Animals can carry the Listeria bacteria without appearing sick, so farmers may not know that their animals are infected. Products made from these animals, such as cheese made from cow's milk, will then contain the bacteria as well. Cooking cheese until it is steaming hot kills the bacteria and reduces the risk of listeriosis, but it is still best to avoid unpasteurized feta cheese during pregnancy if possible.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that there is always a risk for pregnant women when consuming soft cheeses, even if they are pasteurized. This is because the cheese could still contain bacteria if it is made in a factory with unsanitary conditions. Therefore, it is important to only consume feta cheese that has been pasteurized during pregnancy.
Pregnant women who choose to consume feta cheese or other soft cheeses should be aware of the signs and symptoms of premature labor or stillbirth and seek medical treatment if they develop any symptoms of listeriosis. It is also important to note that other dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, are generally safe to consume during pregnancy.
Overall, while feta cheese can be a good source of protein and vitamin D for pregnant women, it is crucial to ensure that it is made from pasteurized milk to minimize the risk of bacterial infection and potential harm to the unborn child.
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Pasteurized feta is generally safe to eat during pregnancy
It is generally safe to eat pasteurized feta cheese during pregnancy. Feta is a soft cheese, and soft cheeses are often listed as unsafe foods to eat during pregnancy. However, the safety of feta depends on how it is processed. If the feta cheese has been pasteurized, then it is generally safe to eat during pregnancy.
Unpasteurized feta cheese may be contaminated with bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a rare but serious infection that can have severe consequences for an unborn child. Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful type of bacteria that can be present in animal products like dairy and meat or foods grown in contaminated soil. It can also be found in meat products like cold cuts and hot dogs. Cooking cheese until it is steaming hot kills bacteria, reducing the risk of listeriosis.
Pregnant women who choose to eat feta cheese should ensure it is made from pasteurized milk and be aware of the signs and symptoms of premature labor or stillbirth. It is also important to note that other dairy products like milk and yogurt are generally safe during pregnancy.
Feta cheese can be a good source of protein and vitamin D, which are important for fetal growth and development. However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate amount of vitamin D and protein needed during pregnancy.
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Soft cheeses with a white rind have more moisture, which makes it easier for bacteria to grow
Soft cheeses with a white rind, such as brie, camembert, and chèvre, have a higher moisture content than hard cheeses. This makes it easier for bacteria to grow, which can be harmful to pregnant women and their unborn babies. While cheese is made from pasteurized milk, which kills off harmful bacteria, the cheese-making process can introduce new bacteria. The soft, moist nature of these cheeses provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth.
Brie and Camembert, for example, are aged from the exterior inward by exposing them to mould. This mould contributes to the smooth, runny, or gooey textures and more intense flavours of these cheeses. The white mould, Penicillium camemberti, breaks down the fat in the cheese. This process gives the cheese its characteristic texture and flavour. However, it also creates an environment conducive to bacterial growth, particularly Listeria monocytogenes, which can be harmful to pregnant women and their unborn babies.
Washed-rind cheeses, such as taleggio, Winnimere, and Epoisses, are another type of soft cheese with a white rind. These cheeses are periodically cured in a solution of saltwater brine or mould-bearing agents like beer, wine, or brandy. This process contributes to their distinctive flavour and texture. However, it can also introduce bacteria, making it unsafe for pregnant women to consume.
While soft cheeses with white rinds have a higher moisture content, it is important to note that not all soft cheeses are unsafe during pregnancy. Pasteurized soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, feta, paneer, ricotta, and goat's cheese without a rind, are generally considered safe for pregnant women to consume. These cheeses have a lower moisture content and undergo a pasteurization process that kills harmful bacteria, making them safer choices during pregnancy.
In summary, soft cheeses with white rinds have a higher moisture content, which provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth. While the cheese-making process typically kills harmful bacteria, new bacteria may be introduced during the ageing and ripening processes. Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid mould-ripened soft cheeses with white rinds and instead opt for pasteurized soft cheeses without rinds to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria.
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Cooking cheese until it's steaming hot kills bacteria, reducing the risk of listeriosis
It is important to be cautious about the types of cheese consumed during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that there is always a risk for pregnant women when they eat soft cheeses, including feta cheese. This is because soft cheeses can contain a harmful type of bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes, which can be very harmful to unborn babies. Listeria is often found in dairy products, meat, and foods grown in contaminated soil.
To reduce the risk of listeriosis, it is recommended that soft cheeses be cooked until steaming hot. Cooking cheese until it is steaming hot can effectively kill bacteria and make it safer for consumption during pregnancy. The recommended temperature range for killing pathogenic bacteria is between 40 to 140°F (5 to 60°C). This temperature range ensures that the food is cooked to a safe internal temperature, reducing the risk of food poisoning.
It is important to note that even pasteurized soft cheeses could potentially contain bacteria if produced in unsanitary conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to choose feta cheese manufactured from pasteurized milk and ensure that it is cooked thoroughly. Cooking feta cheese until it is steaming hot can reduce the risk of Listeria contamination and make it safer for consumption during pregnancy.
In addition to cooking cheese to a safe temperature, there are other food safety practices to consider. These include washing hands before and after preparing food, keeping raw meats separate from other foods, cleaning surfaces that come into contact with raw foods, and promptly refrigerating perishable items. By combining proper cooking techniques with good hygiene practices, the risk of bacterial infections, including listeriosis, can be significantly reduced.
While steaming hot cheese may not be as aesthetically pleasing or tasty as its cooler counterpart, it is important to prioritize food safety, especially during pregnancy. By cooking feta cheese until it is steaming hot, you can reduce the risk of Listeria contamination and make it a safer part of your pregnancy diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese is only safe to eat during pregnancy if it has been pasteurized. Unpasteurized feta cheese may be contaminated with bacteria that can cause miscarriage.
Feta cheese is a good source of protein and vitamin D, which are essential for fetal development and can help prevent preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, low birth weight, and childhood asthma.
The main risk of eating feta cheese or any soft cheese during pregnancy is the possibility of contamination with a harmful type of bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes, which can be very harmful to the unborn baby and cause miscarriage, premature labor, low birth weight, infant death, or serious developmental problems.
