Safe only if made with pasteurized milk. Avoid raw or unpasteurized soft cheeses due to the risk of Listeria infection.
Check the label specifically for the word 'pasteurized' before consuming.
Avoid soft, mold-ripened cheeses like Brie and Camembert unless they are cooked until steaming hot.
Listeriosis is a serious infection that can lead to pregnancy complications or miscarriage.
Hard cheeses are generally safer alternatives.
Soft cheeses can harbor Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that causes listeriosis. While rare, pregnant women are significantly more susceptible to this infection, which can cross the placenta and lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns. The safety of soft cheese depends primarily on pasteurization. In many countries, most commercial soft cheeses like feta, mozzarella, or cream cheese are pasteurized and safe. However, mold-ripened soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert have a higher moisture content and lower acidity, making them better environments for bacteria even if pasteurized. To minimize risk, ensure any soft cheese is clearly labeled as pasteurized or cook it until bubbling and steaming hot to kill potential bacteria. When in doubt, stick to hard cheeses or thoroughly cooked options.
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