Is Brie Cheese Safe During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a time of cautious dietary choices, especially when it comes to cheeses. Brie, with its creamy texture and distinctive flavor, is a favorite for many. But is it safe for expectant mothers? In this guide, we'll unravel the mysteries of Brie cheese during pregnancy, exploring its safety, potential risks, and offer guidance on enjoying it without compromising your well-being or that of your baby.

At a glance:

It is recommended to only eat Brie when cooked thoroughly at 165°F/74°C or more (or until steaming hot). This is the case even if the cheese has been pasteurized. Mold-ripened soft cheeses such as Brie have the potential to harbor harmful bacteria even after the pasteurization process, which could present a danger to pregnant women.

Understanding the Concerns

Brie cheese is a soft, French cheese made from cow's milk. It's known for its velvety texture and mild, earthy and buttery flavor. However, there are concerns about its safety during pregnancy.

Brie cheese is traditionally made with raw milk. Raw milk is milk from any animal that has not been pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria. Raw milk, also called unpasteurized milk, may contain bacteria such as Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella, Cryptosporidium, Brucella, or the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. The highest concern is Listeria, as this poses the greatest health risk to pregnant women.

Assessing the Risk

Listeria

During the first trimester of pregnancy, a listeria infection may result in a miscarriage. Listeriosis can also lead to premature labor, low birth-weight, or death of the infant. Unborn babies that are infected while in utero have the potential to develop a variety of health problems, including intellectual disability, paralysis, seizures, blindness, or impairments of the brain, heart, or kidney. In newborns, listeria can cause blood infections and meningitis.

It is important to realize that pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than other healthy adults.

Campylobacter, E. coli, Salmonella

Bacteria that causes foodborne illness all pose some level of risk during pregnancy. While pregnant people are not more likely to contract these infections, as opposed to with listeria, their effects can have more serious outcomes while pregnant. Campylobacter, E. coli, and Salmonella bacteria can all cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, which can last for several days and lead to dehydration which can cause negative outcomes during pregnancy.

E. coli may cause premature breaking of the amniotic sac, preterm delivery, low birth weight, sepsis, or stillbirth in severe cases.

Rare cases of salmonella bacteremia could lead to intrauterine sepsis.

Campylobacter infection can in rare cases lead to Guillain-Barré syndrome. Infection can also result in delayed fetal development, or premature delivery, and is more serious if contracted in the second trimester than in the third.

Can I eat pasteurized brie?

Usually the recommendation to avoid getting these foodborne illnesses is to only consume pasteurized milk and milk products, including pasteurized cheese (cheese made with pasteurized milk). But according to the NHS this doesn’t apply to Brie: soft cheeses with a white coating on the outside have more moisture. This can make it easier for bacteria to grow. Cooking cheese until it's steaming hot kills bacteria, reducing the risk of listeriosis and other bacteria.

The recommendation is to only eat Brie (and other soft cheeses with a white coating) after heating to at least 165°F/74°C (or until steaming hot) to kill the bacteria. Soft Cheese with white coating includes: Brie, Goat/Chevre, Camembert, Roquefort, blue-veined cheeses, Queso blanco, Queso fresco, Queso panela.

Recent Listeria Outbreaks: Deli cheeses, Brie, Camembert, Queso fresco, and specific ice cream brands have all had recent listeria outbreaks, even when pasteurized milk was used.

Making Safe Choices

Enjoying Brie cheese during pregnancy can be safe with the right precautions:

Heat It Up:

Consider baking or cooking Brie thoroughly (to at least 165°F/74°C), as heat kills harmful bacteria. Enjoy it in dishes where it's heated to a safe temperature.

Try drizzling fruit jam, honey, and nuts over pasteurized Brie cheese and bake until cheese is steaming hot and has reached a temperature of 165°F/74°C to enjoy brie cheese safely while pregnant.

Savoring Brie Safely

Here's a delightful and safe recipe featuring pasteurized and cooked Brie:

Brie and Apple Tartlets

Ingredients:

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
4 ounces pasteurized Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
1 apple, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons honey
Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the puff pastry into small squares and arrange them on the baking sheet.
Place a small piece of Brie on each square, then top with a slice of apple.
Drizzle honey over the top of each tartlet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown (and the cheese has reached 165°F/74°C).
Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs before serving.

Conclusion: Enjoying Brie Cheese Mindfully

Indulging in Brie cheese can be a delightful part of your pregnancy journey when approached with care and awareness. By cooking your Brie cheese and taking necessary precautions, you can savor this creamy delicacy without compromising your well-being or that of your baby. As always, consult your healthcare provider for personalized dietary recommendations during pregnancy.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized dietary recommendations during pregnancy.