Can I eat blue cheese while pregnant?

US pregnancy food safety guidance. Educational only.

What Guidelines Say

FDA guidelines state soft blue cheeses are safe only if pasteurized or cooked to 165°F to eliminate Listeria risks.

Read more details

According to the FDA and ACOG, blue-veined cheeses like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Danish Blue are categorized as soft cheeses that pose a higher risk of Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Listeriosis is a serious infection that can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm labor. Guidelines specify that soft cheeses are safe to consume only if they are clearly labeled as being made with pasteurized milk. However, even pasteurized soft blue cheeses can occasionally harbor bacteria due to their high moisture content and aging process. To eliminate risk, medical guidelines suggest cooking these cheeses until they are bubbling and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Harder varieties of blue cheese or those processed into shelf-stable products are generally considered lower risk than traditional soft, crumbly versions.

Avoid

Unpasteurized Cheeses

Caution

Check cheese labels for 'pasteurized milk' before consumption.

Safe Options

Hard Cheeses

Expert Pick

Pasteurized Soft Cheeses

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Updated: Jan 2026 Sources: Food Safety for Moms-to-Be At-a-Glance | FDA +3

Safer Choices

Hard Cheeses

Cheddar
Parmesan
Swiss

Pasteurized Soft Cheeses

Mozzarella
Cream cheese
Cottage cheese

Cooked Dishes with Cheese

Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)

Pasteurized varieties

Labels indicating 'made with pasteurized milk' signify the milk underwent heat treatment to kill pathogens.

Cooked preparations

Heating blue cheese to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is a recognized method for neutralizing Listeria.

Commercial dressings

Most store-bought blue cheese dressings are pasteurized and shelf-stable, posing a lower risk than fresh soft cheese.

Hard blue-veined cheeses

Drier, aged versions with lower moisture content are less likely to support the growth of harmful bacteria.

Risks & Limits

Unpasteurized Cheeses

Risk of Listeria contamination

Soft Mold-Ripened Cheeses

Even pasteurized versions can pose risks if mishandled

Deli Meats and Pâtés

Can harbor Listeria; heat until steaming hot

Unpasteurized (raw) blue cheese

Raw milk products are identified by the FDA as high-risk for harboring Listeria monocytogenes.

Soft, chilled blue cheeses

Even if pasteurized, these varieties are more susceptible to contamination during handling and storage.

Key Points from Health Guidelines

Based on FDA, ACOG, Mayo Clinic published guidance

1

Check cheese labels for 'pasteurized milk' before consumption.
2

Avoid unpasteurized dairy products entirely.
3

Cook all meats and poultry to safe internal temperatures.
4

Reheat deli meats and hot dogs until steaming hot.
5

Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water.
6

Maintain refrigerator temperature at or below 40°F (4°C).
7

Practice good hand hygiene before and after handling food.

Common Questions

Is blue cheese safe during the first trimester?

The FDA advises avoiding blue cheese throughout pregnancy, including the first trimester, due to the risk of Listeria infection, which can harm both mother and fetus.

Can I eat blue cheese if it's made from pasteurized milk?

Even when made from pasteurized milk, blue cheese can still pose a risk if not handled or stored properly. Therefore, it's recommended to avoid blue cheese during pregnancy to minimize potential health risks.

What are the risks of consuming blue cheese while pregnant?

Consuming blue cheese during pregnancy increases the risk of listeriosis, which can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns.

What are safer alternatives to blue cheese during pregnancy?

Hard cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan, as well as pasteurized soft cheeses like mozzarella and cream cheese, are safer alternatives.

Is it safe to eat cooked dishes containing blue cheese?

Thoroughly cooking dishes containing blue cheese to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) can kill harmful bacteria, making them safer to consume during pregnancy.

Keep Reading Pregnancy Food Guides