Is Feta Cheese Healthy During Pregnancy?

Because the pasteurization process kills any hazardous germs, feta cheese manufactured from pasteurized milk is certainly safe to eat. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pregnant women should only eat feta cheese that has been prepared from pasteurized milk. You should only eat cheese that is clearly labeled “produced from pasteurized milk.”

However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that there is always a risk for pregnant women who eat soft cheeses – even pasteurized products can contain bacteria if they are produced in an unsanitary environment.

The major risk of eating feta cheese, or any soft cheese, during pregnancy is that it may contain Listeria monocytogenes, a form of bacteria that can be extremely damaging to your unborn child. Listeria monocytogenes are commonly found in foods such as dairy and meat, as well as foods cultivated in contaminated soil, such as celery. It’s also found in cold cuts and hot dogs, among other meat items.

Because many animals can carry the bacterium without becoming ill, farmers are often unaware that they have it. Animal-derived products, such as cheese from a cow, will also contain germs. It’s also a cunning bacterium. It multiplies at refrigerator temperatures, thus keeping Listeria-contaminated items chilled won’t stop the bacteria from multiplying.

You’d have no way of knowing if the germs are there because the cheese would appear normal and smell normal. You might not notice anything was wrong after eating a soft cheese contaminated with the bacterium, either. Listeria is particularly dangerous to pregnant women, those over the age of 65, and people with impaired immune systems.

According to the CDC, Hispanic pregnant women have a 24 times higher chance of contracting Listeria, therefore it’s crucial to be aware of your risk before eating any soft cheese.

When it comes to soft cheeses, there is always a risk. If at all possible, avoid them when pregnant. If you’re going to buy feta cheese, make sure it’s made from pasteurized milk. Be aware of the symptoms of listeriosis so that if you get it, you can seek medical help.

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