Patrick Oconnell
Feta cheese is a soft cheese that is often made from pasteurized milk. Pasteurization is a process that involves heating milk to a particular temperature and then quickly cooling it, killing harmful bacteria. Feta cheese made from pasteurized milk is generally considered safe to eat, even during pregnancy, as the pasteurization process eliminates the risk of Listeria contamination. However, it is important to check the labels and ensure that the feta cheese has been made from pasteurized milk, especially for individuals who are pregnant, as Listeria can be harmful to the unborn baby and cause serious health issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Feta cheese is safe to eat when it has been made from pasteurized milk |
| Risks | Feta cheese made from unpasteurized milk may be contaminated with bacteria that can be harmful to health and cause miscarriage |
| Recommendations | The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that pregnant women should only eat feta cheese that they know has been made from pasteurized milk |
| Listeria | Feta cheese, especially when unpasteurized, can be a source of listeria, which can lead to listeriosis, a harmful condition for pregnant women and their unborn babies |
| Cross-contamination | Feta cheese, even when pasteurized, can become contaminated with listeria after it is made, during the supply chain |
| Regulations | In Canada and the U.S., most feta cheese is pasteurized unless stated otherwise |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese and pregnancy
It is widely recommended that pregnant women avoid eating soft cheeses, including feta cheese, due to the risk of contracting listeriosis, a harmful condition caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria is a type of bacteria that can be found in animal products such as dairy and meat, as well as in contaminated soil. It can cause serious health issues, especially for pregnant women and their unborn babies. Listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, and even stillbirth.
However, not all sources agree that feta cheese should be completely avoided during pregnancy. Some sources suggest that it is safe to consume feta cheese as long as it is made from pasteurized milk. Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria, making the cheese safe for consumption. In some countries, such as Canada, food regulations ensure that all dairy products are pasteurized unless stated otherwise.
To minimize the risk of listeriosis, pregnant women should only consume feta cheese that is clearly labelled as being made from pasteurized milk. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of listeriosis and seek medical treatment if necessary.
While feta cheese made from pasteurized milk may be considered safe for pregnant women, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a dietician for personalized advice and recommendations regarding safe food choices during pregnancy.
Overall, while feta cheese may be tempting, it is important for pregnant women to be cautious and prioritize the safety of themselves and their unborn babies by making informed decisions about their cheese consumption.
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Pasteurised vs unpasteurised feta
Feta cheese is a soft cheese that is often made from pasteurized milk. Pasteurization is a process that involves heating milk to a high temperature to kill potentially harmful bacteria. The pasteurization process generally kills bacteria such as Listeria Monocytogenes, which can be harmful to those with weakened immune systems, such as pregnant women, infants, young children, and the elderly.
In the United States, it is difficult to find unpasteurized cheese in grocery stores due to strict food safety laws. According to federal law, raw milk cannot be transported across state lines for human consumption, and many states have banned or restricted the sale of raw dairy products. As a result, most feta cheese sold in the United States is made with pasteurized milk. However, when travelling abroad, it is more common to encounter unpasteurized cheese, as the dairy industries outside the US are less regulated.
For pregnant women, the general recommendation is to consume only pasteurized feta cheese. This is because unpasteurized feta may be contaminated with bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a severe infection that can lead to miscarriage, preterm labour, low birth weight, infant death, or developmental problems. Listeria is especially harmful to pregnant women, as it is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness. However, it is important to note that even pasteurized feta cheese may still be contaminated with bacteria if it is produced in a factory with unsanitary conditions.
To ensure the safety of feta cheese, it is recommended to check the label. If the label is unclear, it is best to choose another product, such as hard cheeses like cheddar or parmesan, or other dairy products like milk and yogurt. When travelling abroad, it is advisable to ask the server at a restaurant whether the cheese is pasteurized. Cooking with unpasteurized feta cheese is generally considered safe, as the heat treatment will kill any harmful bacteria.
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Nutritional benefits of feta
Feta cheese is a traditional Greek cheese with a soft, crumbly texture, salty flavour, and slight tang. It is typically made from sheep's or goat's milk and is one of the oldest cheeses in the world. Feta is a good source of nutrients and offers several health benefits when consumed in moderation. Here are some of the nutritional benefits of feta cheese:
Calcium and Phosphorus for Bone Health
Feta cheese is an excellent source of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Milk from sheep and goats contains higher levels of these minerals compared to cow's milk, so incorporating feta into your diet can help you achieve the recommended daily intake of calcium.
Protein and Essential Vitamins
Feta cheese provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins. It is a complete protein source, containing all the essential amino acids required by the body.
Probiotics for Gut Health
Feta cheese contains probiotics, which are live and friendly bacteria that offer numerous health benefits. Specifically, feta has been found to contain Lactobacillus plantarum, which can promote a healthy gut by protecting the intestinal tract from harmful bacteria. Probiotics may also provide anti-inflammatory benefits and support immune system function.
CLA for Improved Body Composition
Feta cheese contains a significant amount of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is a type of fat with potential health benefits. CLA may help improve body composition and has been linked to a reduced risk of diabetes and cancer. Interestingly, Greece, where feta cheese is widely consumed, has the lowest incidence of breast cancer in the European Union.
It is worth noting that feta cheese is high in sodium and saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Additionally, for pregnant women, there is a slight risk associated with consuming soft cheeses like feta due to the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, which can be harmful to the unborn baby. However, feta cheese made from pasteurized milk is generally considered safe for pregnant women, as pasteurization kills harmful bacteria.
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Feta cheese in Canada
Feta cheese is a popular food item in Canada, commonly used in Greek or Mediterranean dishes. It is made from sheep's, goat's, or cow's milk and has a salty, tangy flavour. The cheese is formed by adding rennet and acid to the milk, creating a curd. This curd is then cut and drained, with the remaining matted curds being cubed and sealed under a salt brine to ripen. Feta cheese is typically found in blocks or chunks and can be eaten on its own or used in cooking.
In Canada, feta cheese is available from a variety of sources, including local producers and international suppliers. Krinos Foods, for example, has been providing Canadians with feta cheese for over 30 years, offering both Greek and Canadian varieties. The company uses a traditional family recipe, resulting in feta cheese with distinct styles, tastes, and textures.
When purchasing feta cheese in Canada, it is important to consider food safety regulations. While Canada has strict standards for food safety, it is always advisable to check the label to ensure the cheese has been pasteurized. Pasteurization is a process that uses heat to kill harmful microorganisms, reducing the risk of food poisoning. In Canada, milk must be pasteurized to be sold, and most feta cheese available in grocery stores is pasteurized. However, unpasteurized cheese can be found at farmers' markets, and it is important to verify the product's pasteurization status before consumption.
The consumption of feta cheese during pregnancy has been a topic of discussion in Canada. While some sources indicate that pasteurized feta cheese is safe for pregnant women, others recommend avoiding all unpasteurized cheeses. It is always advisable for pregnant individuals to consult with a healthcare professional for specific dietary guidelines and to check the labels of any cheese products they intend to consume.
In terms of culinary applications, feta cheese is a versatile ingredient in Canadian cuisine. It can be used as a table cheese, crumbled over salads, or incorporated into omelettes and pizzas. Feta cheese pairs well with light red wines such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, and fruity white wines like Chardonnay or Pinot Blanc. When served with bread and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and oregano, feta cheese can provide a true taste of the Mediterranean.
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Listeria and listeriosis
Listeria, or listeriosis, is a disease caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes). This bacteria can be found in many places, including soil, water, sewage, rotting vegetation, and animals. It can survive and grow even under refrigeration temperatures, and freezing will not eliminate it. L. monocytogenes thrives in unsanitary food production conditions and can contaminate food during harvesting, processing, preparing, packing, transporting, or storing.
Listeriosis is not usually serious in healthy individuals, who may never experience symptoms or complications. However, it can be severe or even life-threatening for some people. Those at increased risk of serious illness or complications include pregnant women, people over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant people are 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than the general population. Listeria infections in newborns can also be very dangerous, with symptoms including little interest in feeding, crankiness, and high or low temperatures.
The symptoms of listeriosis can vary depending on the severity and form of the illness. There are two forms of the disease: the less severe, non-invasive gastrointestinal listeriosis, and the more severe invasive listeriosis, which occurs when the infection spreads beyond the intestines. For the non-invasive form, symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and they often persist for 1 to 3 days. The invasive form is potentially life-threatening, especially for those in high-risk groups, and symptoms include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. During pregnancy, symptoms may be mild or even non-existent, but listeriosis can still lead to severe outcomes such as miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or a life-threatening infection of the newborn.
Proper food safety practices can help reduce the risk of developing listeriosis. Listeria bacteria can be killed by pasteurization, so it is important to only consume milk and milk products that have been pasteurized. When it comes to high-risk foods like soft cheeses, it is recommended to check the label to ensure that the product is made with pasteurized milk. In general, it is best to avoid foods that may be contaminated with Listeria, such as raw vegetables, tainted meat, and certain processed foods, or to cook them to a safe temperature (e.g., 165°F or 73.8°C).
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Frequently asked questions
Not all feta cheese is pasteurized. Feta cheese made from unpasteurized sheep or goat milk may be contaminated with harmful bacteria.
Pasteurization, which involves heating followed by rapid cooling, kills harmful bacteria such as Listeria, which can cause listeriosis, a dangerous foodborne illness.
Listeria is most harmful to individuals who are pregnant, over the age of 65, or have compromised immune systems.
Always check the label. Only consume cheese that has a clear label that reads "made from pasteurized milk."
