Can I Eat Brie, Camembert, blue cheese, queso fresco/blanco While Pregnant?

Why

The CDC advises avoiding soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, blue cheese, and queso fresco or blanco when they are made from unpasteurized or raw milk, because these are a classic source of Listeria. Their high moisture and lower acidity let the bacterium grow, and in pregnancy Listeria can cross the placenta and lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or serious newborn infection, even with mild symptoms in you.

How to enjoy it safely

Pasteurized versions of these same cheeses are considered safe, so read the label and look for the word pasteurized, especially with fresh Latin-style cheeses. When in doubt at a deli counter or while traveling, choose a clearly pasteurized hard cheese instead, or melt a soft cheese until bubbling hot before eating.

When to ask your provider

Ask your Garden OB/GYN provider if you are unsure about a cheese you ate abroad or from a farm source, since raw-milk products are more common in those settings.