Randy Chandler
Feta cheese is a soft cheese that is often used in dishes like salads, dips, and pizza toppings. While it is generally safe to consume, there is a slight risk associated with eating it or any other soft cheese. This is because soft cheeses may contain Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a dangerous condition, especially for pregnant women. To ensure safety, it is recommended to consume feta cheese made from pasteurized milk, as the pasteurization process kills harmful bacteria. In the UK, popular supermarket brands like Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Waitrose use pasteurized milk in their feta cheese, while labels on some other brands like Asda and Morrisons do not provide clear information.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is feta cheese pasteurized in the UK? | Yes, feta cheese is pasteurized in the UK. |
| Is feta cheese safe for pregnant women? | Feta cheese is safe for pregnant women as long as it is made from pasteurized milk. |
| What are some brands that sell pasteurized feta cheese in the UK? | Dodoni, Athenos, Président, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Creamfields, Apetina, and Odysea. |
| What are the risks of eating unpasteurized feta cheese during pregnancy? | Unpasteurized feta cheese may contain Listeria bacteria, which can cause an infection called listeriosis that is harmful to the unborn baby. |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese is safe to eat when pasteurised
Feta cheese is a popular dairy product made from the milk of cows, sheep, or goats. It is a soft cheese that is often used in salads, as a pizza topping, or in dips. While feta cheese is generally safe to consume, there are certain risks associated with eating unpasteurized cheese, especially for pregnant women.
The pasteurization process involves heating milk to a high temperature to kill harmful bacteria. This process ensures that the cheese is safe to eat and significantly reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses. In the UK, it is a requirement to label cheese that has not been pasteurized, and consumers are advised to avoid these products, especially during pregnancy.
Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to foodborne illnesses, such as listeriosis, which can be caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria found in unpasteurized dairy products. Listeriosis can be very harmful to both the mother and the unborn baby, so it is crucial for pregnant women to avoid unpasteurized cheeses and choose pasteurized alternatives instead.
Feta cheese made from pasteurized milk is widely available in the UK. Popular brands such as Dodoni, Athenos, Président, and Apetina all produce feta cheese using pasteurized milk. Additionally, UK supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Waitrose offer their own-label feta cheese made with pasteurized milk.
When purchasing feta cheese, it is important to read the labels carefully to ensure that it is made with pasteurized milk. By choosing pasteurized feta cheese, consumers can enjoy the taste and nutritional benefits of this popular cheese while minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
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Pregnant women should only eat pasteurised feta
It is generally advised that pregnant women should only eat pasteurised feta cheese. This is because the pasteurisation process kills harmful bacteria, such as Listeria, which can be very harmful to unborn babies.
Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful type of bacteria that can be found in dairy products, meat, and foods grown in contaminated soil. It can cause an infection called listeriosis, which is especially dangerous for pregnant women and can even lead to death. While listeriosis is harmful to everyone, it is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
Feta cheese is a soft cheese, and soft cheeses are particularly susceptible to Listeria contamination. While feta cheese made from pasteurised milk is likely safe to consume, it is important to note that there is always a slight risk when consuming soft cheeses, even if they are pasteurised. This is because the cheese could be made in a factory with unsanitary conditions, which may introduce bacteria even after pasteurisation.
To ensure the safety of feta cheese during pregnancy, it is recommended to only consume cheese with a clear label indicating that it is made from pasteurised milk. In the UK, popular supermarket brands such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Waitrose use pasteurised milk in their own-label feta cheese. Additionally, popular feta brands such as Dodoni, Athenos, Président, and Apetina also produce feta cheese made with pasteurised milk. However, it is important to always check the labels, as recipes and manufacturers can change over time.
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Listeria is harmful to those pregnant, over 65, or with compromised immune systems
In the UK, it is safe to consume feta cheese during pregnancy, as long as it is pasteurised. The pasteurisation process kills harmful bacteria, such as Listeria, which can be dangerous to the health of the unborn baby and the mother.
Listeria is a bacteria that can spread through many foods, including soft cheeses, deli meats, and dairy products that haven't been treated to kill bacteria. While healthy people rarely become very ill from Listeria, it can be extremely harmful to those who are pregnant, over the age of 65, or have weakened immune systems.
Pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than other healthy adults. This is because their immune systems are altered during pregnancy, making it harder to fight off infections. Listeria infections during pregnancy can lead to serious complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, and infant death. The effects on the baby can be devastating, with a risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or a life-threatening infection in the baby after birth.
People over the age of 65 are also at a heightened risk of contracting Listeria. As people age, their immune systems have a harder time recognising and getting rid of harmful germs, including Listeria. Older adults with Listeria infections almost always require hospitalisation.
Additionally, those with weakened immune systems are at a heightened risk of contracting Listeria. This includes individuals with certain health conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, or HIV/AIDS, as well as those undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy or taking high-dose steroid medications. Listeria infection in this vulnerable group can be life-threatening, with a high rate of hospitalisation and a significant risk of death.
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Some UK supermarkets sell pasteurised feta
Feta cheese is a popular dairy product made from sheep, cow, or goat's milk. It is a soft cheese with a crumbly texture and a salty taste, often used as a topping or ingredient in various dishes. In the UK, feta cheese is widely available in supermarkets and specialty stores, and it is generally considered a safe and nutritious food.
When it comes to pasteurisation, the process of heating milk to kill harmful bacteria, UK supermarkets offer a variety of feta cheese options, some of which are indeed pasteurised. Pasteurisation is particularly important for pregnant women, as it eliminates harmful bacteria that can be dangerous to their health and that of their unborn child. The NHS specifically recommends that pregnant women avoid mould-ripened soft cheeses unless they are made from pasteurised milk.
Some popular UK supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Waitrose, offer own-label feta cheese made with pasteurised milk. This means that these supermarkets' feta cheese products have undergone the pasteurisation process, making them safer for consumption, especially for those with higher health risks, such as pregnant women. It is important to note that not all supermarkets clearly label the pasteurisation status of their feta cheese, so it is always a good idea to check the packaging or contact the supermarket directly to ensure the product is pasteurised.
In addition to the supermarkets mentioned above, there are several brands of pasteurised feta cheese available in the UK. For example, Dodoni, a popular Greek brand, produces feta cheese made with pasteurised milk. Athenos, a brand with a wide variety of feta cheese flavours, also uses pasteurised milk in their products. Président, another feta cheese producer, confirms that their feta blocks, crumbles, and other cheese products are made with pasteurised milk. These brands offer a safer option for consumers concerned about pasteurisation, especially those who may be more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses.
In summary, while not all feta cheese sold in UK supermarkets is pasteurised, there are several options available for consumers who prioritise this aspect. By choosing feta cheese from supermarkets that use pasteurised milk in their own-label products or opting for specific brands that confirm the use of pasteurised milk, consumers can make informed choices to suit their dietary needs and preferences. It is always advisable to read labels carefully and reach out to manufacturers or retailers for clarification when in doubt.
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Feta is a semi-soft cheese
Feta has been produced in Greece for centuries, with the earliest documented reference to cheese production dating back to the 8th century BC. The technology used to make feta today is similar to that used by Greek shepherds in ancient times. Feta is an important source of income for shepherds in northwestern Greece, who sell it alongside milk and sheep meat.
The process of making feta involves dry-salting the cheese and then ageing it in brine, which is a solution of 7% salt in water. This process takes several weeks at room temperature, followed by a minimum of 2 months in a refrigerated, high-humidity environment. The containers are then shipped to supermarkets, where the cheese is cut and sold directly, or packaged in sealed plastic cups with some brine.
Feta is a popular ingredient in Greek salads and pastries, such as spanakopita (spinach pie) and tyropita (cheese pie). It is also often served with olive oil or olives and sprinkled with herbs such as oregano. Feta can be served cooked or grilled, and is used in sandwiches, omelettes, and many other dishes.
In terms of food safety, feta is considered a soft cheese, and it is recommended that pregnant women only consume feta made from pasteurised milk. This is because soft cheeses may contain Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful type of bacteria that can be very dangerous for unborn babies. However, feta made from pasteurised milk is likely safe to eat during pregnancy, as the pasteurisation process kills any harmful bacteria.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese is pasteurised in the UK. Popular brands such as Dodoni, Athenos, Président, and Apetina use pasteurised milk in their feta cheese products. Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Waitrose also use pasteurised milk in their own-label feta cheese.
Pasteurisation kills harmful bacteria in food products. The consumption of unpasteurised soft cheese during pregnancy, for example, has been linked to an increased risk of Listeria infection, which can be harmful to the unborn baby.
In the UK, if cheese is unpasteurised, it must be labelled as such. Always check the label before consuming feta cheese, especially if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system.
While feta cheese from popular brands and supermarkets in the UK is typically pasteurised, some sources indicate that traditional feta cheese produced by local farmers or shepherds in Greece may not be pasteurised. If you are travelling to Greece or consuming imported Greek feta cheese, it is recommended to exercise caution and check with the manufacturer or restaurant to ensure it is pasteurised.
