can you eat goats cheese when pregnant

It is generally safe to eat goat cheese during pregnancy if the cheese is made from pasteurized milk and is not a soft, surface-ripened variety. Soft goat cheeses made from raw, unpasteurized milk or those with a white mold rind (similar to Brie or Camembert) should be avoided because they pose a risk of listeriosis, a serious infection that can harm both mother and baby. Hard goat cheeses and pasteurized soft goat cheeses without mold rind are considered safe. Cooking goat cheese until steaming hot also kills harmful bacteria, making it safe to eat. Always check the packaging for "pasteurized" or ask the cheese seller if the cheese is made from pasteurized milk to ensure safety during pregnancy.