Brie cheese can be eaten during pregnancy only if it is made from pasteurized milk and is thoroughly heated until steaming hot. This cooking kills harmful bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes, which can be dangerous in pregnancy. However, eating cold or unheated brie, especially if made from unpasteurized milk, is generally advised against due to the risk of listeria infection which can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth.
Key Points:
- Only eat brie labeled pasteurized.
- Always heat brie until it’s steaming hot to make it safe.
- Avoid cold brie, brie from unpasteurized milk, or if unsure of the source.
- Soft cheeses like brie have higher moisture and can support listeria growth.
- Other safer cheese options include pasteurized hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella.
- If craving brie, baked brie or brie melted in dishes is safer than cold slices.
Risks:
- Listeria bacteria in soft, unpasteurized cheeses can cause serious pregnancy complications.
- Even pasteurized brie can carry risk if served cold due to moisture content.
- It is important to follow storage and preparation guidelines carefully.
Therefore, pregnant women can include brie in their diet if it is pasteurized and fully cooked, but should avoid eating cold or unpasteurized brie for safety.
