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It is generally considered safe to eat pasteurised goat's cheese during pregnancy. However, it is important to note that not all goat's cheeses are pasteurised, so checking the label or asking before consuming is essential. Unpasteurised goat's cheese may contain harmful bacteria such as Listeria, which can cause serious infections in pregnant women. To kill any potential bacteria, it is recommended to cook the cheese thoroughly until it is steaming hot. The NHS advises pregnant women to avoid soft cheeses with white rinds, such as Brie and Camembert, unless they are cooked thoroughly.
Is pasteurised goats cheese ok in pregnancy?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pasteurised goat cheese safety during pregnancy | Safe to consume |
| Unpasteurised goat cheese safety during pregnancy | Not safe to consume |
| Goat cheese with a rind or mould-ripened | Not safe to consume unless pasteurised |
| Goat cheese cooked until steaming hot | Safe to consume |
| Goat cheese cooked in sauces, tarts, or pizza | Safe to consume |
| Goat cheese cooked until 165°F (74°C) | Safe to consume |
| Goat cheese cooked thoroughly | Safe to consume |
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What You'll Learn
Pasteurised goat cheese is safe to eat during pregnancy
Goat cheese is a popular choice for its tangy flavour, but during pregnancy, questions often arise about whether it’s safe to eat. The answer depends on whether the cheese is made from pasteurised milk. Pasteurised goat cheese is safe to eat during pregnancy, but unpasteurised goat cheese can carry harmful bacteria such as Listeria, which can be dangerous during pregnancy. Listeria is a bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a type of food poisoning. Listeriosis can cause serious complications and even lead to miscarriage.
The pasteurisation process involves heating milk to kill harmful bacteria, including Listeria. All pasteurised goat cheeses, except surface-ripened ones, are safe to eat during pregnancy. Surface-ripened goat cheese has a soft white rind, similar to that of Brie and Camembert, and is easily contaminated with Listeria. Hard goat cheeses, on the other hand, have a low moisture level, making it difficult for harmful bacteria to thrive.
The NHS recommends that pregnant women avoid eating soft cheeses with white rinds, such as Brie and Camembert, unless they have been thoroughly cooked. This recommendation extends to soft goat cheeses like chèvre, which should only be consumed if they are pasteurised. Cooking unpasteurised goat cheese until it is steaming hot can kill harmful bacteria like Listeria.
To ensure that your goat cheese is pasteurised, check the label for the word "pasteurised" or look for an indication that the cheese has been heat-treated. When ordering dishes with goat cheese at a restaurant, ask the server if the cheese is made from pasteurised milk. Be cautious with artisanal cheeses, as many are unpasteurised.
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Unpasteurised goat cheese may contain harmful bacteria
Unpasteurised goat cheese has been linked to the spread of E. coli O157, a type of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). In 2004, an outbreak of E. coli O157 in France was linked to the consumption of unpasteurised goat cheese. Three cases of infection were identified, with two of the infected developing haemolytic-uraemic syndrome. The source of the outbreak was found to be an independent producer of unpasteurised goat cheese, with inadequate hygiene conditions for cheese preparation.
Listeria is another harmful bacteria that can be found in unpasteurised goat cheese. Listeria is a type of foodborne illness that can cause listeriosis, a serious complication that can lead to miscarriage. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that raw and surface-ripened soft cheeses are 50-160 times more likely to be contaminated with Listeria than pasteurised cheeses.
To avoid the risk of consuming harmful bacteria, it is recommended to only consume pasteurised goat cheese during pregnancy. Cooking goat cheese until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) can also help to kill harmful bacteria.
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Goat cheese is a good source of vitamins and minerals
Pasteurized goat cheese is generally considered safe to eat during pregnancy, except for surface-ripened varieties. Surface-ripened goat cheese is easily recognizable by its soft white rind, similar to Brie and Camembert, which are also best avoided unless cooked thoroughly. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that raw and surface-ripened soft cheeses are 50-160 times more likely to be contaminated with Listeria, increasing the risk of listeriosis during pregnancy. Listeria is a foodborne illness that pregnant women are especially susceptible to, and it can cause serious complications and even miscarriage.
Hard goat cheeses, on the other hand, are considered safe to eat during pregnancy, even when made with unpasteurized milk, as the low moisture level makes it difficult for harmful bacteria to thrive. Thorough cooking kills harmful bacteria, so goat cheese in sauces, tarts, or on pizza is likely safe.
Goat cheese is lower in lactose than cow's milk cheese and contains type 2 casein protein, making it easier to digest. It also has less calories, fat, and protein than many cow's milk cheeses, such as cheddar, brie, or gouda. However, it is important to consume goat cheese in moderation due to its high-fat content.
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Soft goat cheese with a white rind should be avoided
Pregnant women are especially susceptible to food poisoning and are 10–20 times more likely to contract listeriosis, which can cause serious complications and even lead to miscarriage. Listeria is a type of bacteria that can be found in milk and can cause listeriosis, a serious infection during pregnancy. Listeria is killed by the pasteurization process, which heats milk to kill harmful bacteria.
Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women only consume pasteurized goat cheese, which is safe to eat. Pasteurized goat cheese has been heat-treated to kill bacteria and prevent food poisoning. However, it is important to note that not all goat cheeses are pasteurized, so it is essential to check the label or ask when buying cheese. Look for the word "pasteurized" on the packaging to ensure the cheese has undergone the heat treatment.
In addition to soft goat cheese with a white rind, it is also recommended that pregnant women avoid other types of soft, surface-ripened cheeses, such as Brie and Camembert, unless they have been thoroughly cooked. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyere, are generally considered safe to consume during pregnancy, even if they are made with unpasteurized milk, as the risk of hard cheeses containing Listeria bacteria is low.
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Cooking goat cheese kills bacteria and makes it safe to eat
Goat cheese is a popular dairy product with a distinct flavour and creamy texture. While it is generally safe to consume, certain varieties may pose risks during pregnancy due to potential bacterial contamination. The presence of harmful bacteria, such as Listeria, can lead to foodborne illnesses like listeriosis, which can have serious consequences for pregnant women and their babies.
To address this concern, thorough cooking of goat cheese is essential. Cooking goat cheese effectively kills harmful bacteria, including Listeria, making it safe for consumption during pregnancy. The heat applied during cooking destroys the bacteria, reducing the risk of food poisoning. This is particularly important for soft goat cheeses, which are more susceptible to bacterial growth and contamination.
When cooking with goat cheese, it is important to ensure that it reaches an adequate internal temperature. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heating goat cheese to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is sufficient to eliminate harmful bacteria. This can be achieved by incorporating the cheese into sauces, tarts, or pizzas, ensuring that it is thoroughly cooked.
It is worth noting that not all goat cheeses are equally susceptible to bacterial contamination. Hard goat cheeses, for example, have a low moisture level, creating an environment that is less conducive to bacterial growth. As a result, most health professionals consider both pasteurized and unpasteurized hard goat cheeses safe for consumption during pregnancy.
Additionally, pasteurization plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of goat cheese. Pasteurized goat cheeses undergo a process that kills bacteria, yeast, and mold naturally found in milk. This further reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses. However, it is always important to check the label to ensure that the goat cheese is made from pasteurized milk, especially when consuming soft cheeses with white rinds, as recommended by the NHS.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, pasteurised goat cheese is safe to eat during pregnancy. The pasteurisation process kills harmful bacteria, including Listeria, which can cause serious infections during pregnancy.
Check the label on the packaging for the word "pasteurised". When ordering dishes with goat cheese, ask the server if the cheese is made from pasteurised milk. Be cautious with artisanal cheeses, as many are unpasteurised.
Unpasteurised goat cheese, including soft or semi-soft goat cheeses made from raw (unpasteurised) milk, should be avoided during pregnancy. Surface-ripened or mould-ripened cheeses, like chèvre, should also be avoided unless you’re certain they’re made from pasteurised milk.
Unpasteurised goat cheese can carry harmful bacteria like Listeria, which can be dangerous during pregnancy. Listeria is a bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a type of food poisoning. Pregnant women are especially susceptible to food poisoning and listeriosis can lead to serious complications and miscarriage.
