Can I Eat Feta While Pregnant?
Generally safeGeneral guidance from ACOG. Please always check with your provider.
Good news, feta is generally fine in pregnancy as long as it is made from pasteurized milk, which most US grocery feta is.
Why
ACOG considers feta safe when it is produced from pasteurized milk, because pasteurization destroys Listeria and other harmful bacteria. The caution is only for raw or unpasteurized feta, where Listeria can grow in the soft, moist cheese and, during pregnancy, potentially cross the placenta and cause serious harm to your baby. Most feta sold in US supermarkets is pasteurized.
How to enjoy it safely
Check the label for the word pasteurized and you can enjoy feta in salads, on grain bowls, or baked into dishes. If you encounter artisanal, imported, or farmers-market feta with no clear labeling, ask whether it is pasteurized, or cook it until steaming hot to be safe.
When to ask your provider
Ask your Garden OB/GYN provider if you regularly eat specialty or imported cheeses, so they can help you confirm which ones are pasteurized.
More foods that are generally safe
This page is for general education and is not medical advice. It summarizes guidance from ACOG, which can change, and individual situations vary, so please confirm with your Garden OB/GYN provider.
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