Is Brie Safe During Pregnancy
Brie is a soft ripened cheese made from cow's milk. The main concern during pregnancy is listeriosis, caused by Listeria monocytogenes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than the general population. Soft cheeses like brie can harbor bacteria if made from unpasteurized milk. The FDA requires that imported soft cheeses be made from pasteurized milk unless they meet specific aging rules. Always check the label for pasteurization status before eating brie while pregnant. For a detailed breakdown of FDA dairy import rules, see the agency's guidance on cheese imports FDA Cheese Import Rules.
Most commercially sold brie in the United States is made from pasteurized milk. Pasteurization heats milk to a specific temperature to kill harmful pathogens including Listeria. The FDA's pasteurization standards apply to all milk used in cheese sold across state lines. However, some artisanal or imported varieties may use raw milk. The CDC advises pregnant women to avoid soft cheeses made from raw milk. Cooking brie until it is steaming hot can reduce the risk, but the safest approach is to choose pasteurized products only.
Listeria Risks and Pregnancy Outcomes
Listeria infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection in the newborn. The CDC estimates that listeriosis causes about 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths in the United States each year, with a disproportionate impact on pregnant individuals. Symptoms may appear up to 70 days after exposure and include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues. Because brie has a high moisture content and a soft texture, it provides an environment where Listeria can grow more easily than in hard cheeses. The FDA maintains a list of outbreak investigations related to dairy products that can be reviewed on its outbreak tracking page FDA Outbreak Tracking.
The European Food Safety Authority also monitors Listeria in dairy products and publishes annual trend reports. In the EU, soft cheeses made from raw milk must meet strict aging and hygiene criteria before sale. In the United States, the FDA bans the sale of raw milk soft cheeses that have not been aged for at least 60 days. Despite this rule, enforcement and labeling can vary. Pregnant women should confirm pasteurization directly with the manufacturer or retailer if the label is unclear.
How to Choose and Eat Brie Safely While Pregnant
Look for the word pasteurized on the ingredient list or packaging. Major brands sold in U.S. grocery stores typically use pasteurized milk and meet FDA standards. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends that pregnant women avoid refrigerated pâtés, meat spreads, and soft cheeses unless they are clearly labeled as pasteurized. Storing brie at the correct refrigerator temperature of 40°F or below helps limit bacterial growth. For broader food safety guidance during pregnancy, the FDA provides a dedicated page on food safety for expectant mothers FDA Food Safety During Pregnancy.
Cooking brie thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F can kill Listeria and other pathogens. Baked brie dishes served hot are generally considered safer than cold or room-temperature slices. However, cross-contamination from utensils or surfaces can reintroduce bacteria, so hygiene matters. The safest option remains choosing pasteurized brie and consuming it promptly after opening. Always follow the manufacturer's use-by date and discard any cheese that shows signs of mold not part of the ripening process.