Is it safe to eat feta when pregnant?
Quick Answer
Yes, but only if it’s pasteurized.
Feta cheese can be safely consumed during pregnancy if it is made from pasteurized milk. Unpasteurized feta cheese may contain Listeria, a bacteria that can cause a rare but dangerous infection.
What Is It?
Feta is a type of cheese that originates from Greece. It’s made from sheep’s milk, goat’s milk, or a blend of the two.
Why It Can Be Risky
The main risk associated with eating feta cheese during pregnancy is the potential presence of Listeria.
- Listeria is a bacteria that can cause a rare but serious infection called listeriosis.
- Listeriosis can lead to severe illness in pregnant women, including miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
Safe Method?
To safely consume feta cheese during pregnancy, ensure it is made from pasteurized milk. Pasteurization kills bacteria, including Listeria.
Safe Alternatives
- If you’re unsure whether the feta cheese is pasteurized, consider alternatives like mozzarella or cheddar which are typically made from pasteurized milk.
- You can also opt for cooked feta cheese as heating it to a certain temperature can kill Listeria.