FETA CHEESE IN PREGNANCY
During pregnancy, diet plays a crucial role in the mother’s well-being and the baby’s development. Dairy products, such as feta cheese, are common in many diets, but their consumption can raise concerns about the risk of food-borne infections. That is why we explain you the aspects to take into account when consuming feta cheese during pregnancy.
At Codina Foods, as gourmet distributors, we have the best brands in the market and that is why we have Meteora in our portfolio. Greek brand with a great variety of references focused on reviving the best products from ancient Greece.
What is feta cheese?
Feta cheese is a dairy product of Greek origin, known for its crumbly texture and slightly salty taste. It is made from sheep’s milk, although it is sometimes mixed with goat’s milk.
It is an essential ingredient in salads, cakes and a variety of Mediterranean dishes. However, during pregnancy, the consumption of certain types of cheese, including feta, raises concerns. For example, pasteurisation or food-borne infections such as listeriosis.
What is listeriosis?
Listeriosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, which can be found in unpasteurised dairy products and mishandled food. This infection is of concern during pregnancy. It can cause serious complications for both mother and foetus.
Tips for eating feta cheese in pregnancy
To minimise the risk of listeriosis, it is crucial that pregnant women carefully choose the dairy products they consume. Here are some important guidelines to consider when consuming feta cheese in pregnancy:
Check for pasteurisation
Feta cheese made from pasteurised milk is generally safe to consume during pregnancy. Pasteurisation is a process that kills harmful bacteria by heating the milk to a specific temperature for a specific period of time.
When buying feta cheese, it is important to read labels carefully and make sure the product is clearly labelled. For example, it should say ‘made with pasteurised milk’.
Buy from reputable shops
Purchasing feta cheese from reputable supermarkets or shops, where the products are properly stored and handled, reduces the risk of contamination. Avoid purchasing feta cheese from informal markets or unverified vendors as an additional precaution.
Avoid homemade products or products of unknown origin
It is prudent to avoid feta cheese in pregnancy, whether homemade or artisan-produced unless you are absolutely certain that pasteurised milk has been used and strict hygienic practices have been followed.
Proper storage
Even pasteurised feta cheese should be stored properly. Keeping it refrigerated and consuming it before the expiry date is essential to prevent bacterial growth.
