Can I Eat Soft Cheese During Pregnancy?
At a Glance:
⚠️ Concern: Soft cheeses, especially those made from unpasteurized milk, can harbor Listeria monocytogenes, posing severe pregnancy risks.
🔥 Risk Level: Unsafe if unpasteurized and eaten cold. Pasteurized soft cheese is safer but still best eaten freshly and stored correctly.
✅ Safe Practices: Choose pasteurized soft cheeses, store them properly, and avoid eating them past their expiration date.
Creamy brie, tangy camembert, and other soft cheeses are often pregnancy favorites — but are they safe? Soft cheeses can carry risks during pregnancy, especially if made from unpasteurized milk or stored improperly.
Here’s what you need to know about soft cheese safety while expecting.
Why Soft Cheese Can Be Risky During Pregnancy
Soft cheeses are higher in moisture and lower in acid than hard cheeses, creating a favorable environment for Listeria monocytogenes to grow. Listeria is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection during pregnancy that may lead to:
Miscarriage
Preterm birth
Stillbirth
Severe illness in newborns
Unpasteurized soft cheeses (often imported) pose the greatest risk, but even pasteurized soft cheeses can become contaminated after processing if stored or handled improperly.
Which Soft Cheeses Are Safer?
✅ Soft cheeses made from pasteurized milk are generally safer during pregnancy. Examples include:
Pasteurized cream cheese
Pasteurized cottage cheese
Pasteurized ricotta
Pasteurized mozzarella (fresh style)
Even with pasteurized soft cheeses, you should:
Check the label for “made with pasteurized milk”
Store them refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C)
Avoid consuming them after their best-by date
Soft Cheeses to Avoid
❌ Unpasteurized soft cheeses, such as some imported brie, camembert, queso fresco, queso blanco, or Roquefort.
❌ Soft blue-veined cheeses if unpasteurized and eaten cold.
If you cannot verify whether a cheese is pasteurized, it is best to avoid it entirely during pregnancy.
Tips for Soft Cheese Safety During Pregnancy
✅ Always check labels for pasteurization
✅ Store cheese properly and consume before the expiration date
✅ Avoid soft cheeses from buffets, open-air markets, or homemade sources where handling cannot be confirmed
✅ If in doubt, heat soft cheese until steaming hot to reduce listeria risk
Conclusion: Soft Cheese Can Be Safe — If Pasteurized
Soft cheese doesn’t have to be off-limits during pregnancy if you make smart choices. Pasteurized soft cheeses are generally safe if handled and stored correctly, while unpasteurized and cold-served soft cheeses should be avoided.
When in doubt, ask your healthcare provider or double-check the label so you can feel confident enjoying cheese safely while expecting.
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.
References:
FDA:
Mother to Baby:
