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Can I eat goat cheese while pregnant?

US pregnancy food safety guidance. Educational only.

What Guidelines Say

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FDA advises pregnant women to avoid soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk due to Listeria risk.

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According to FDA and ACOG guidelines, goat cheese (chèvre) is safe for consumption during pregnancy only if it is produced using pasteurized milk. The primary concern with soft cheeses is the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause listeriosis. This infection is particularly dangerous during pregnancy as it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe neonatal complications. While the majority of commercial goat cheese sold in the United States is pasteurized, artisanal, imported, or 'farm-fresh' varieties may use raw milk. Guidelines emphasize that the word 'pasteurized' must appear on the product label to confirm safety. If the pasteurization status is uncertain, the cheese is considered safe only if it is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) until it is steaming hot, which effectively neutralizes harmful pathogens.

Avoid

Unpasteurized Goat Cheese

Caution

Verify that goat cheese is made from pasteurized milk before consumption.

Safe Options

Hard Goat Cheeses

Expert Pick

Cooked Goat Cheese Dishes

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Updated: Sources: Fact or Fiction +3

Safer Choices

Hard Goat Cheeses

  • Aged, hard goat cheeses made from pasteurized milk have a lower moisture content, reducing the risk of bacterial growth.
  • Aged, hard varieties of goat cheese have lower moisture content, which makes them less likely to support bacterial growth compared to soft varieties.

Cooked Goat Cheese Dishes

  • Heating goat cheese to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) can kill harmful bacteria, making dishes like baked goat cheese tarts safer options.
  • Heating goat cheese to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) until it is bubbling or steaming hot kills Listeria bacteria.

Pasteurized Soft Goat Cheeses

  • Soft goat cheeses labeled as made from pasteurized milk are considered safe for pregnant women.

Pasteurized Commercial Chèvre

  • Products explicitly labeled 'made with pasteurized milk' are considered safe for consumption without further cooking.

Pasteurized Crumbled Goat Cheese

  • Pre-packaged crumbles that are labeled as pasteurized are safe for use in salads or as toppings.

Risks & Limits

Unpasteurized Goat Cheese

  • Avoid all goat cheeses made from unpasteurized milk due to the risk of Listeria contamination.

Soft Goat Cheeses of Uncertain Origin

  • If the label does not specify that the cheese is made from pasteurized milk, it's safer to avoid it.

Raw (Unpasteurized) Goat Cheese

  • Unpasteurized soft cheeses carry a significantly higher risk of Listeria contamination and are generally advised against during pregnancy.

Unlabeled Artisanal Cheeses

  • Cheeses from farmers' markets or specialty shops without clear pasteurization labeling pose an unknown risk and are best avoided unless cooked.

Key Points from Health Guidelines

Based on FDA published guidance

  • 1
    Verify that goat cheese is made from pasteurized milk before consumption.
  • 2
    Avoid soft goat cheeses made from unpasteurized milk.
  • 3
    Opt for hard or aged goat cheeses made from pasteurized milk.
  • 4
    Ensure cooked dishes containing goat cheese reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • 5
    Store goat cheese at or below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacterial growth.
  • 6
    Consume goat cheese before its expiration date.
  • 7
    Consult a healthcare provider if unsure about the safety of a specific cheese product.

Common Questions About goat cheese in Pregnant

Can I eat goat cheese while pregnant?
FDA advises pregnant women to avoid soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk due to Listeria risk.
Is it safe to eat goat cheese during the first trimester of pregnancy?
Yes, consuming goat cheese made from pasteurized milk is considered safe during the first trimester. It's important to avoid unpasteurized cheeses due to the risk of Listeria infection, which can be particularly harmful during early pregnancy.
How often can I eat pasteurized goat cheese while pregnant?
There are no specific guidelines limiting the frequency of consuming pasteurized goat cheese during pregnancy. However, it's advisable to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
What are the main risks of eating unpasteurized goat cheese during pregnancy?
The primary risk is Listeria infection, which can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or severe illness in newborns. Pregnant women are about 10 times more likely than the general population to become infected with Listeria.
Are there safer alternatives to soft goat cheese during pregnancy?
Yes, hard cheeses made from pasteurized milk, such as cheddar or Swiss, are safer alternatives. Additionally, pasteurized soft cheeses like cream cheese or cottage cheese are considered safe options.
How can I ensure goat cheese is safe to eat during pregnancy?
Always check the label to confirm the cheese is made from pasteurized milk. When dining out, inquire about the type of cheese used in dishes. Cooking goat cheese to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) can also reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.

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References & Guidelines

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for advice specific to your pregnancy. Doola AI aggregates data from public health guidelines to provide these summaries.