Can I eat brie while pregnant?
US pregnancy food safety guidance. Educational only.
What Guidelines Say
Brie is safe during pregnancy only if made from pasteurized milk; unpasteurized Brie poses Listeria risk.
Read more details
Brie is categorized as a soft cheese, characterized by high moisture and low acidity, which provides an environment conducive to the growth of Listeria monocytogenes. According to FDA and CDC guidelines, pregnant women are approximately 10 times more likely to get a Listeria infection than the general population. While US regulations generally require domestic soft cheeses to be pasteurized, imported Brie or artisan varieties may use raw milk, which is strictly advised against. Even with pasteurization, the FDA notes that contamination can occur post-processing in the facility. Consequently, ACOG suggests that soft cheeses are only safe if the label explicitly confirms pasteurization. To eliminate risk, medical experts recommend heating Brie until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is bubbling and steaming throughout. This thermal processing effectively kills Listeria, making the cheese safe for consumption during all stages of pregnancy.
Unpasteurized Brie
Check labels for 'pasteurized milk' when purchasing Brie.
Hard Cheeses
Pasteurized Soft Cheeses
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Safer Choices
Hard Cheeses
- Cheddar
- Swiss
- Parmesan
Pasteurized Soft Cheeses
- Mozzarella
- Cream cheese
Cooked Brie
- Heating Brie until steaming hot
Baked Brie
- Heating the cheese until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) kills Listeria bacteria.
- The cheese must be bubbling and steaming throughout to ensure safety.
Pasteurized Brie
- Products explicitly labeled 'made with pasteurized milk' are considered lower risk by the FDA.
- Check the ingredient list for pasteurized milk or cream.
Hard Cheese Alternatives
- Varieties like Cheddar, Parmesan, or Swiss have lower moisture content and are generally safer.
- These cheeses do not support the growth of Listeria as easily as soft cheeses.
Processed Soft Cheeses
- Cream cheese, cottage cheese, and ricotta are pasteurized and considered safe for consumption.
- Shelf-stable cheese spreads are also typically safe due to high-heat processing.
Risks & Limits
Unpasteurized Brie
- Risk of Listeria contamination
Soft Cheeses from Unverified Sources
- Avoid unless pasteurization is confirmed
Raw Milk Brie
- Unpasteurized soft cheeses carry a significantly higher risk of carrying harmful bacteria like Listeria.
- Raw milk products are often found in specialty shops or imported from regions with different regulations.
Cold Soft Cheese from Delis
- Even if pasteurized, Brie sliced at a deli counter carries a risk of cross-contamination from other surfaces.
- Pre-packaged, pasteurized versions are preferred over deli-cut options.
Key Points from Health Guidelines
Based on FDA, FoodSafety.gov, ACOG, Mayo Clinic published guidance
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1Check labels for 'pasteurized milk' when purchasing Brie.
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2Avoid Brie labeled as 'unpasteurized' or 'raw milk.'
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3Store Brie at or below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacterial growth.
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4Consume Brie before its expiration date.
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5When in doubt, choose hard cheeses or pasteurized soft cheeses.
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6Confirm the label states 'made with pasteurized milk' before purchase.
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7Heat Brie to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for maximum safety.