Can I Eat Queso Cheese During Pregnancy?
At a Glance:
⚠️ Concern: Some types of queso (like queso fresco) may be unpasteurized, which increases the risk of Listeria and other foodborne illnesses.
🔥 Risk Level: Unsafe if unpasteurized. Safe if made with pasteurized milk and served hot.
✅ Safe Practices: Choose commercial, pasteurized queso and reheat thoroughly before eating.
Whether drizzled over nachos or served as a creamy dip, queso is a comfort food favorite. But if you’re pregnant, you may be wondering if this cheesy treat is safe to enjoy. The answer depends on how the queso is made and served.
Some types of queso, especially those made from unpasteurized milk, may pose a risk to pregnant individuals. Others, particularly store-bought and cooked versions, can be safely consumed. Let’s break it down.
Why Queso Can Be Risky During Pregnancy
The primary concern with queso during pregnancy is pasteurization. Cheese made from unpasteurized milk can contain Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that’s especially dangerous during pregnancy. Pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than other healthy adults. Because immune systems are altered during pregnancy, it is harder for pregnant women to fight off infections.
Potential Risks Include:
Miscarriage or stillbirth
Premature labor
Serious illness in newborns
Listeria can survive in soft cheeses like queso fresco and traditional homemade queso, especially if they’re not heated to a safe temperature.
Types of Queso to Watch Out For
❌ Homemade queso fresco or queso blanco made from raw milk
❌ Street-style or market cheese dips of unknown origin
❌ Queso served cold or at room temperature in restaurants or buffets
Safe Queso Options During Pregnancy
Fortunately, there are pregnancy-safe ways to enjoy queso:
✅ Store-bought brands made with pasteurized milk, heated and served hot
✅ Queso dips that are heated and served hot (kills bacteria)
✅ Pasteurized queso fresco or blanco from reputable brands (always check the label for pasteurization) that are heated and served hot
Tips for Eating Queso Safely While Pregnant
🧀 Check labels to confirm “made with pasteurized milk”
🔥 Reheat queso dip until it’s steaming hot before eating
❄️ Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before reuse
❌ Avoid queso in restaurants or buffets if you can’t confirm pasteurization
Conclusion: Queso Can Be Safe—With the Right Precautions
Queso can still be on the menu during pregnancy—as long as it’s pasteurized and served hot. Avoid cold or unpasteurized varieties to protect yourself and your baby from Listeria and other harmful bacteria.
When in doubt, read the label or ask how it was made, and always reheat queso dips until steaming before serving.
Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions regarding your health, pregnancy, or medical conditions.
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