Can I eat blue cheese when pregnant?
Quick Answer
Yes, but with precautions
Blue cheese is safe to eat during pregnancy as long as it’s been cooked, as the heat kills any bacteria. If the cheese is raw, it may contain harmful bacteria like listeria, which can lead to serious complications.
What Is It?
Blue cheese is a type of cheese that has been cultured with molds, giving it a distinctive flavor and blue or blue-green spots.
Historical Context
Blue cheese has been produced for centuries, and its characteristic flavor comes from the addition of Penicillium cultures.
Why It Can Be Risky
The main risk associated with eating blue cheese during pregnancy is the potential presence of listeria, a harmful bacteria.
- Listeria can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns.
- Even if the mother doesn’t feel sick, listeria can still affect the baby.
Safe Method?
To safely eat blue cheese during pregnancy, make sure it’s been cooked thoroughly, as this kills any bacteria. Avoid eating raw blue cheese.
Safe Alternatives
If you’re craving blue cheese but don’t want to risk it, consider alternatives like cheddar, mozzarella, or cream cheese, which are typically made with pasteurized milk and are safe to eat raw.
Storage Tips
Store blue cheese in the refrigerator at 40°F or below, and eat it within a week of opening.