Is Cottage Cheese Safe During Pregnancy

Reason

Pasteurized cottage cheese is listed as safe. Avoid cottage cheese made from raw milk.

Safe Amount

No established safe limit — consult your provider.

Effects

Pregnancy

Pasteurized cottage cheese is generally allowed. Unpasteurized dairy is not.

Mother

Raw-milk dairy can raise the risk of foodborne illness, including listeriosis.

Baby

Pasteurized cottage cheese is low risk. Raw-milk dairy can expose the baby to Listeria.

Trimester Notes

1st Trimester

Safe if made from pasteurized milk and kept refrigerated.

2nd Trimester

Safe if made from pasteurized milk and kept refrigerated.

3rd Trimester

Safe if made from pasteurized milk and kept refrigerated.

Conditions & Warnings

• Use cottage cheese made from pasteurized milk.
• Keep refrigerated and eat before the use-by date.
• Avoid any cottage cheese made from unpasteurized/raw milk.

Alternatives

• Pasteurized yogurt
• Pasteurized cream cheese
• Pasteurized mozzarella
• Pasteurized ricotta

References

• CDC
  https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/pregnant-women.html
• NHS
  https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/
• FDA
  https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/dangers-raw-milk-unpasteurized-milk-can-pose-serious-health-risk