Randy Chandler
Feta cheese is a soft cheese that is made from pasteurized milk. While it is generally safe to consume, there are some concerns about its safety during pregnancy due to the risk of bacterial contamination, specifically Listeria monocytogenes, which can be harmful to both the mother and the unborn child. The pasteurization process kills harmful bacteria, but even pasteurized feta cheese can become contaminated by Listeria during production or down the supply chain. As a result, it is recommended that pregnant women only consume feta cheese that has been pasteurized and be aware of the symptoms of listeriosis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Feta cheese made from pasteurized milk is likely safe to eat. |
| 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 if they know it has been made from pasteurized milk. |
| Listeria | Feta cheese can contain a harmful type of bacteria called Listeria, which can be prevented by pasteurization. |
| Listeriosis | Eating food that contains Listeria can lead to a condition called listeriosis, which is especially harmful to pregnant women and can cause miscarriage. |
| Cross-contamination | Feta cheese can be soaked in brine, which is a potential source of recontamination with Listeria. |
| Supply chain | Feta cheese can become contaminated by Listeria after it is made during the supply chain. |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese is safe to eat when pasteurised
Feta cheese is a soft cheese that is generally considered safe to eat when it has been pasteurised. Pasteurisation is a process that involves heating milk to a particular temperature and then quickly cooling it. This process kills harmful bacteria, such as Listeria monocytogenes, which can be dangerous, especially for pregnant people and their unborn babies.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause a condition called listeriosis, which is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness, according to the CDC. The bacteria is often found in foods made from animal products, such as dairy and meat, or foods grown in contaminated soil. While pasteurisation kills this bacteria, it is still possible for pasteurised cheese to contain bacteria if it is made in a factory with unsanitary conditions.
Pregnant people are advised to only consume feta cheese if it has been made from pasteurised milk. The cheese should have a clear label indicating that it is made from pasteurised milk. In Canada, for example, all cheese is pasteurised unless stated otherwise, and unpasteurised cheese can only be found at farmers' markets.
It is important to note that even pasteurised feta cheese carries a slight risk of Listeria contamination if it has been soaked in brine for an extended period, as this can be a source of recontamination. However, the risk of this happening is considered low. Overall, when it comes to soft cheeses like feta, it is recommended to only consume them if they have been pasteurised.
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Listeria is a bacteria that can be harmful to pregnant people and their babies
Feta cheese is often pasteurised, but it is recommended that pregnant people only consume feta cheese that is clearly labelled as being made from pasteurised milk. This is because the main risk of eating feta cheese during pregnancy is that it may contain a harmful type of bacteria called Listeria, or Listeria monocytogenes, which can be very harmful to unborn babies. Listeria is a bacteria that can be harmful to pregnant people and their babies.
Listeria is a kind of bacteria that is found in soil, water, and some animals, including cattle and poultry. When eaten, it causes a foodborne illness called listeriosis, a serious type of food poisoning. Listeriosis can cause mild, flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, diarrhoea, upset stomach, stiff neck, headache, confusion, or loss of balance. However, many pregnant women do not show any symptoms. Even without symptoms, listeria can be passed to the fetus and cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm labour. Babies born with listeriosis may have serious infections of the blood or brain.
Listeria is most harmful to individuals who are pregnant, over the age of 65, or have compromised immune systems. Listeria bacteria can spread through many foods, including raw vegetables tainted by contaminated soil or manure, tainted meat, raw milk or foods made with unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, hot dogs, deli meats, and cold-smoked fish. Healthy people rarely become very ill from listeria infections, but the disease can be fatal to unborn babies, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems.
To prevent listeria infection, it is important to practice good food safety habits. Cooking and pasteurization are the only ways to kill Listeria. It is recommended to cook food thoroughly, using a food thermometer to ensure that meat, poultry, and egg dishes are cooked to a safe temperature. Refrigeration can also help keep perishable foods from spoiling, and it is recommended to set the refrigerator temperature to 40 degrees F or below, and the freezer to 0 degrees F or lower. It is also important to wash hands for at least 20 seconds before and after touching raw food, after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or touching animals. Raw produce should be rinsed thoroughly, and raw meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, and their juices should be kept away from other foods and surfaces to avoid cross-contamination.
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Unpasteurised feta cheese may be contaminated with bacteria
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in Greek cuisine and the Mediterranean diet. It is a fresh, white cheese with a variety of health benefits. However, it is important to be cautious when consuming unpasteurized feta cheese, as it may be contaminated with harmful bacteria.
Unpasteurized feta cheese has a higher risk of bacterial contamination than pasteurized cheese. Listeria monocytogenes, a type of bacteria found in water, soil, and animal products, can contaminate unpasteurized feta. This bacteria can cause listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness that is especially dangerous for pregnant women, individuals over the age of 65, and those with compromised immune systems. Listeriosis has been linked to miscarriages, premature labour, low birth weight, infant death, and developmental problems in unborn babies.
The risk of bacterial contamination in unpasteurized feta cheese is further exacerbated by its high moisture content, which provides a favourable environment for bacterial growth. Additionally, it is worth noting that feta cheese made from unpasteurized sheep or goat milk may also be contaminated with bacteria that can cause sickness and, in rare cases, miscarriage.
To minimize the risk of bacterial contamination, it is recommended to only consume feta cheese that has been pasteurized. The pasteurization process involves heating followed by rapid cooling, effectively killing harmful bacteria like Listeria. Most feta cheese found in grocery stores and dairy cases is pasteurized, but it is always important to check the label to ensure it is made from pasteurized milk.
While cooking unpasteurized feta cheese until bubbling can eliminate harmful bacteria, it is still recommended to opt for pasteurized cheese whenever possible. Additionally, proper food handling and storage practices, such as maintaining a clean refrigerator and avoiding cross-contamination, can help reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
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Pasteurisation is a process of heating and quick cooling to kill bacteria
Feta cheese is a soft cheese that is often consumed and enjoyed by many. However, when it comes to feta cheese and pregnancy, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. It is generally recommended that pregnant women avoid consuming unpasteurised dairy products, including soft cheeses like feta. This is because unpasteurised feta cheese may be contaminated with bacteria, such as Listeria monocytogenes, which can pose serious risks to both the mother and the unborn child. Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful type of bacteria that can be found in foods made from animal products, such as dairy, or in soil-contaminated foods.
The good news is that feta cheese made from pasteurised milk is generally considered safe to consume during pregnancy. Pasteurisation effectively kills the Listeria bacteria and reduces the risk of listeriosis, a serious infection. When purchasing feta cheese, it is important to carefully read the labels and ensure that the product is clearly labelled as ""pasteurised" or "made with pasteurised milk". This information is usually found on the ingredients list. In some countries, such as Canada, it is mandatory to disclose the use of unpasteurised milk on food labels, making it easier for consumers to make informed choices.
While pasteurisation significantly reduces the risk of bacterial contamination, it is important to be aware that there is still a slight risk associated with consuming soft cheeses, even when pasteurised. This is because, during the production and packaging process, the cheese may come into contact with bacteria, such as Listeria, which can survive in high-water-content environments. Therefore, it is recommended to be cautious and always check the labels before consuming any soft cheese during pregnancy. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the symptoms of listeriosis and seek medical treatment if necessary.
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Most fresh, soft cheeses are pasteurised
Pasteurization is the process by which raw milk is heated to a high enough temperature to kill potentially disease-causing bacteria. In the cheesemaking process, there are a few heat treatments available to accomplish pasteurization while maintaining flavor. While some people rave about the taste of European cheese made with raw milk, plenty of master cheesemakers have crafted pasteurized cheeses with incredible flavor, through skill and knowledge of the craft.
In the United States, soft cheeses are, by law, pasteurized. This is because they are younger and higher in moisture, creating an environment that is more susceptible to harmful bacteria. Even when pasteurized, soft cheeses can become contaminated by Listeria, Salmonella, or other pathogens after production. This is known as secondary contamination and can occur at the supply chain level, for example, at a supermarket deli counter.
Despite the risk of contamination, most fresh, soft cheeses in the dairy aisle are pasteurized. However, it is important to always check the label. If the label is unclear, it is recommended to choose something else, such as a hard cheese like cheddar or parmesan.
Pregnant women are advised to only eat soft cheeses that have been pasteurized. This is because soft cheeses made from raw milk may contain a harmful type of bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause miscarriage, premature labor, low birth weight, infant death, or developmental problems. Feta cheese, for example, is only safe for pregnant people when it has been pasteurized.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese is safe to eat during pregnancy as long as it is pasteurized. Unpasteurized feta cheese may be contaminated with bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes, which can be harmful to the unborn baby and cause miscarriage.
If you are pregnant and develop symptoms of listeriosis, such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhoea, seek medical treatment immediately. Listeriosis is especially harmful to pregnant women and can lead to miscarriage, premature labour, low birth weight, infant death, or developmental problems.
Always check the label to ensure the feta cheese is made from pasteurized milk. Look for a clear label that reads "made from pasteurized milk." If the label is unclear, choose something else, such as hard cheeses like cheddar and parmesan.
Yes, in addition to unpasteurized soft cheeses, it is recommended to avoid ready-to-eat cold-smoked or cured fish products, such as smoked salmon, trout, and gravlax. These products can be consumed if they are cooked until steaming hot, as this destroys any listeria that may be present. It is also best to avoid pâté, including vegetable versions, as they may contain listeria.
