Is Brie Safe During Pregnancy

Reason

Avoid unpasteurized brie in pregnancy. Even pasteurized brie is safest only when heated until steaming hot.

Safe Amount

No established safe limit — consult your provider.

Effects

Pregnancy

Listeria risk is higher in pregnancy, especially with soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk.

Mother

Pregnancy raises the risk of listeriosis; the mother may get very sick or have few symptoms.

Baby

Listeria infection can be serious for the baby and can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth.

Trimester Notes

1st Trimester

Avoid unpasteurized or soft-ripened brie. If pasteurized, eat only if heated until steaming hot.

2nd Trimester

Avoid unpasteurized or soft-ripened brie. If pasteurized, eat only if heated until steaming hot.

3rd Trimester

Avoid unpasteurized or soft-ripened brie. If pasteurized, eat only if heated until steaming hot.

Conditions & Warnings

• Brie is a soft-ripened cheese.
• Avoid if made from unpasteurized milk.
• If made with pasteurized milk, it is still safest to eat only when heated until steaming hot.
• Check the label for 'made with pasteurized milk.'

Alternatives

• Pasteurized hard cheeses like cheddar or parmesan
• Pasteurized cottage cheese or cream cheese
• Brie that is heated until steaming hot

References

• FDA
  https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/what-you-need-know-about-preventing-listeria-infections
• FDA
  https://www.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/food-safety-moms-be-glance
• CDC
  https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/pregnant-women.html
• NHS
  https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/