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Can I eat brie cheese while pregnant?

US pregnancy food safety guidance. Educational only.

What Guidelines Say

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Brie cheese made from unpasteurized milk poses a Listeria risk during pregnancy; ensure it's made from pasteurized milk.

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According to FDA and ACOG guidelines, soft cheeses like Brie are safe to consume during pregnancy only if they are clearly labeled as being made with pasteurized milk. Unpasteurized Brie can harbor Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that causes listeriosis. This infection is particularly dangerous during pregnancy as it can cross the placenta, potentially leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe neonatal illness. While most Brie sold commercially in the United States is pasteurized, the high moisture and low acidity of soft cheese can still support bacterial growth if post-processing contamination occurs. To maximize safety, medical experts suggest heating Brie until it is steaming hot or bubbling (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F), which effectively kills any potential pathogens. If pasteurization status is unconfirmed, the product is typically avoided.

Avoid

Unpasteurized Soft Cheeses

Caution

Verify that Brie and other soft cheeses are made from pasteurized milk.

Safe Options

Hard Cheeses

Expert Pick

Pasteurized Soft Cheeses

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Updated: Jan 2026 Sources: Fact or Fiction +3

Safer Choices

Hard Cheeses

  • Cheddar
  • Swiss
  • Parmesan

Pasteurized Soft Cheeses

  • Mozzarella
  • Cream cheese

Processed Cheese Products

  • Cheese spreads
  • Cheese slices

Pasteurized Brie

  • Products explicitly labeled 'made with pasteurized milk' meet federal safety standards for reducing initial pathogen loads.

Baked or Cooked Brie

  • Heating Brie until it is bubbling hot (165°F) neutralizes Listeria and other foodborne bacteria.

Hard Cheese Alternatives

  • Cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss have lower moisture content, making them naturally more resistant to bacterial growth.

Pasteurized Processed Spreads

  • Commercial cheese spreads are heat-treated and shelf-stable, offering a lower-risk profile than fresh soft cheeses.

Risks & Limits

Unpasteurized Soft Cheeses

  • Brie
  • Camembert
  • Blue-veined cheeses

Homemade Soft Cheeses

  • May be made from unpasteurized milk

Imported Soft Cheeses

  • May be made from unpasteurized milk
  • Cheeses from regions with different pasteurization regulations may not meet FDA safety standards for pregnant consumers.

Unpasteurized (Raw) Brie

  • Raw milk cheeses carry a significantly higher risk of harboring Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli.

Key Points from Health Guidelines

Based on FDA, FoodSafety.gov published guidance

  • 1
    Verify that Brie and other soft cheeses are made from pasteurized milk.
  • 2
    Avoid consuming unpasteurized (raw) milk and products made from it.
  • 3
    Store cheeses at or below 40°F (4°C) to inhibit bacterial growth.
  • 4
    Consume refrigerated cheeses promptly and adhere to expiration dates.
  • 5
    Maintain proper hygiene when handling and preparing cheeses.
  • 6
    Confirm the 'pasteurized' label on all soft cheese packaging before consumption.
  • 7
    Heat Brie in the oven until it is steaming or bubbling throughout (165°F).

Common Questions

Is Brie cheese safe to eat during the first trimester of pregnancy?
Brie cheese made from pasteurized milk is safe during all stages of pregnancy, including the first trimester. However, Brie made from unpasteurized milk should be avoided due to the risk of Listeria infection.
How often can I eat pasteurized Brie cheese while pregnant?
There are no specific guidelines on the frequency of consuming pasteurized Brie during pregnancy. Moderate consumption as part of a balanced diet is generally considered safe.
What are the main risks of consuming unpasteurized Brie cheese during pregnancy?
The primary risk is Listeria infection, which can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or severe illness in newborns.
Are there safer alternatives to Brie cheese during pregnancy?
Yes, hard cheeses like cheddar and Swiss, as well as pasteurized soft cheeses like mozzarella, are safer alternatives.
How can I ensure the Brie cheese I purchase is safe during pregnancy?
Check the product label to confirm it states 'made from pasteurized milk.' If the label does not specify, it's safer to avoid the product.

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