Patrick Oconnell
Feta cheese is a beloved addition to many dishes, from salads to calzones. But is it safe to eat during pregnancy? This question has sparked a debate, with some sources claiming that feta is made from pasteurized milk, while others suggest that only feta produced in North America is pasteurized, and real Greek feta is not. In the United States, almost all cheeses are pasteurized due to USDA federal law, and the same goes for Greece and other EU countries, where unpasteurized cheeses are illegal. However, there may be exceptions in certain restaurants or rural areas. So, is French feta cheese pasteurized?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pasteurization | Feta cheese is usually pasteurized, especially in the US and Greece. |
| Softness | Feta is considered semi-soft, though some sources classify it as a soft cheese. |
| Pregnancy Safety | Pregnant women are advised to only consume pasteurized cheese. While some sources state that feta is safe during pregnancy, others advise against it. |
| Commercial Production | Commercially produced feta is typically pasteurized due to EU regulations. |
| Homemade Production | Homemade feta may be unpasteurized, especially in rural areas. |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese in France and North America
Feta cheese is a beloved addition to many dishes, from salads to calzones. Its popularity has led to it being produced in various parts of the world, including France and North America. So, is French feta cheese pasteurized? And what about feta cheese in North America?
Feta Cheese in France
France, a country renowned for its cheese, has its own take on feta cheese. While feta is traditionally associated with Greece, French feta has its own unique characteristics. In terms of pasteurization, there seems to be a discrepancy in information. According to one source, unpasteurized cheeses are illegal in France, as they are in all EU countries, due to EU regulations. However, another source mentions that there is unauthorized production of feta cheese in France, indicating the presence of unpasteurized feta.
Feta Cheese in North America
In North America, feta cheese is widely available and popular. In terms of pasteurization, the general consensus is that most feta cheese in North America is pasteurized. According to sources, almost all cheeses in the United States are pasteurized, and it is federally mandated by the USDA. This applies to both domestically produced cheese and imported cheese. However, some sources mention that certain specialty cheeses may be unpasteurized, but these are not commonly found in regular grocery stores.
To ensure the feta cheese you are consuming is pasteurized, it is always recommended to check the packaging or inquire about the ingredients used in restaurants. While the likelihood of encountering unpasteurized feta cheese in North America is relatively low, it is essential to be aware, especially for those with specific dietary restrictions or health concerns.
In conclusion, while French feta cheese may have varying levels of pasteurization due to a mix of regulated and unauthorized production, North American feta cheese is predominantly pasteurized due to strict federal regulations. This information is particularly relevant for those who are pregnant or have other dietary considerations, as pasteurization plays a crucial role in food safety.
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Feta cheese in Greece
Feta cheese has been a part of Greece for nearly as long as humanity itself. Its first documented reference appears in Homer's Odyssey, which dates from the 8th century BC. In the Odyssey, Ulysses discovers cheesemaking in the cave of Polyphemus, the Cyclops. Historians believe that feta emerged after the early domestication of animals, likely from fermented milk transported in animal stomachs.
Feta is integral to Greek culture and cuisine, and its production has remained central to the country for thousands of years. Feta cheese, along with milk and sheep meat, is the principal source of income for shepherds in northwestern Greece. It is often used in Greek dishes, such as the traditional Greek salad, horiatiki, and is also served with other foods such as honey and sesame seeds, or in a pasta dish with zucchini, lemon, and dill.
Feta cheese is typically made with sheep's milk, although up to 30% of the milk can come from goats. It has a tangy, fresh, and briny flavor, and a creamy yet crumbly texture. The process of making feta involves cutting up and salting the curd, which is then placed in metal vessels or wooden barrels to infuse for several days. After dry-salting is complete, the cheese is aged in brine for several weeks at room temperature and a further minimum of 2 months in a refrigerated, high-humidity environment.
Since 2002, feta has been a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product within the European Union, meaning that its quality and characteristics are tied to the geographical area where it originated. Feta PDO can only be produced in mainland Greece and on certain islands, and the milk must come from sheep and goats within these areas.
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Pasteurized feta cheese brands
Feta cheese is a popular dairy product made from sheep's or goat's milk. It is a soft, crumbly cheese with a tangy flavour and is often used as a topping or ingredient in dishes such as salads, vegetables, and pastries. In some countries, such as the United States and Canada, there are concerns regarding the consumption of unpasteurized cheeses during pregnancy due to potential health risks. However, it is important to note that the regulations and safety standards for cheese production vary internationally.
In the United States, almost all cheeses, including feta cheese, are pasteurized by law. This means that the milk used in the cheese-making process has been heat-treated to kill harmful bacteria, making it safe for consumption. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) federal law, all cheeses sold in grocery stores and farmers' markets must be pasteurized. While some specialty shops may offer unpasteurized cheeses, they are generally the more expensive, fancy varieties.
When it comes to specific brands of pasteurized feta cheese, Athenos is one example that clearly states on its website and product packaging that their feta cheese is made with pasteurized part-skim milk. This brand is available at various retailers, including Safeway, QFC, and Trader Joe's, ensuring accessibility to consumers across different grocery stores.
Another option for consumers seeking pasteurized feta cheese is to purchase it from well-known grocery stores. According to one source, almost all cheeses carried at Safeway, QFC, and Trader Joe's are pasteurized. Additionally, Amazon offers a variety of feta cheese options through its Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market brands, providing consumers with convenient online purchasing options for pasteurized feta cheese.
While the focus of this query is on French feta cheese, it is worth noting that the pasteurization status of cheese may vary depending on the country of origin and local regulations. When in doubt, it is always advisable to check the product packaging or inquire directly with the manufacturer or restaurant to ensure the feta cheese has been pasteurized. This is particularly important for individuals with specific dietary restrictions or health considerations, such as pregnancy, where the consumption of unpasteurized soft cheeses may be discouraged.
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EU regulations on pasteurization
In the European Union, high-pressure processing (HPP) is not specifically regulated. However, the European Commission has issued guidance on implementing HPP under current food safety rules. The following rules apply to food companies that use HPP: Regulation (EC) 852/2004, which covers the hygiene of foodstuffs, and Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005, which establishes microbiological criteria for foods.
According to EU guidelines, pasteurization installations must be accredited and licensed for use by the relevant authorities. They must include the following components:
- Automatic temperature regulation
- Temperature recorder
- Automatic protection devices to prevent insufficient heating
- Protective devices against the mixing of heated and insufficiently heated milk
- Automatic recorders for these protective devices
The Novel Food Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 provides more details on what constitutes a novel food. It defines novel foods as those resulting from a production process not used in the EU before May 1997 that significantly changes food composition, structure, nutrition, metabolism, or safety.
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Feta cheese and pregnancy
Pregnant women should be cautious about eating certain foods, including some cheeses. The main risk of eating feta cheese, or any soft cheese, during pregnancy is that it may contain a harmful type of bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes, which can be very harmful to the unborn baby. Listeria monocytogenes is often found in foods made from animal products like dairy and meat, or foods grown in soil contaminated with the bacteria, like celery. It can also be found in meat products like cold cuts and hot dogs.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is always a risk for pregnant women when they eat soft cheeses—even pasteurized products could contain bacteria if the cheese is made in a factory with unsanitary conditions. Listeria can cause listeriosis, which is especially harmful to pregnant women and can result in miscarriage during the first trimester of pregnancy. It can also cause premature birth later in pregnancy, which carries the risk of prematurity and even death if the baby is born too early.
However, it is important to note that not all feta cheese is unsafe for pregnant women. Pasteurized feta cheese is generally considered safe for consumption during pregnancy. In the United States, almost all cheeses are pasteurized, and it is mandatory for all cheeses sold in grocery stores to be pasteurized. Some brands of feta cheese, like Athenos, clearly state on their packaging that they are made with pasteurized milk. Therefore, checking the labels of cheese products is essential to ensuring their safety during pregnancy.
To minimize the risk of listeriosis, pregnant women should avoid soft cheeses that are not pasteurized and opt for those made with pasteurized milk. Additionally, thoroughly cooking soft cheeses until they are steaming hot can also reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. It is also recommended to be aware of the symptoms of listeriosis and seek immediate medical treatment if any of these symptoms develop.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese is usually made from pasteurized milk, especially in the US and Greece. However, there may be some unpasteurized feta cheeses available in France, as there seem to be "two sets of rules" when it comes to food regulations.
Pasteurization is a process that kills harmful bacteria in food, making it safer to consume.
It is generally recommended to avoid unpasteurized soft cheeses, as they may contain harmful bacteria. However, properly cooked soft cheeses are usually safe to eat.
You can check the label or packaging of the feta cheese to see if it is pasteurized. In the US, most cheeses are required by law to be pasteurized.
Yes, pregnant women can safely consume pasteurized feta cheese. However, it is always recommended to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional for specific dietary advice during pregnancy.
