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Can I eat cheddar cheese while pregnant?

US pregnancy food safety guidance. Educational only.

What Guidelines Say

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Pasteurized cheddar is safe during pregnancy; its low moisture and acidity levels naturally inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

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Cheddar cheese made from pasteurized milk is considered safe for consumption during pregnancy. The pasteurization process effectively eliminates harmful bacteria, such as Listeria monocytogenes, which can pose significant risks to both the mother and the developing fetus. Listeria infection during pregnancy can lead to severe complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, and neonatal infection. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that any cheddar cheese consumed is labeled as made from pasteurized milk. Additionally, staying informed about product recalls is important, as there have been instances where cheddar cheese products were recalled due to potential Listeria contamination. For example, in December 2025, Boss Dairy Farms voluntarily recalled its Mild Cheddar Cheese due to potential Listeria contamination.

Avoid

Unpasteurized Cheddar Cheese

Caution

Verify that cheddar cheese is labeled as made from pasteurized milk.

Safe Options

Pasteurized Cheddar Cheese

Expert Pick

Hard Cheeses

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Updated: Jan 2026 Sources: Boss Dairy Farms Voluntarily Recalls Retail Mild Cheddar Cheese Because Of Possible Health Risk | FDA +6

Safer Choices

Pasteurized Cheddar Cheese

  • Always choose cheddar cheese labeled as made from pasteurized milk to ensure safety during pregnancy.

Hard Cheeses

  • Hard cheeses like Parmesan and Swiss are generally safe when made from pasteurized milk, as their low moisture content inhibits bacterial growth.

Processed Cheese Products

  • Items such as pasteurized processed cheese slices and spreads are safe options, as they are made with pasteurized ingredients.

Pasteurized Commercial Cheddar

  • Standard blocks or shreds labeled as made from pasteurized milk are heat-treated to eliminate pathogens.

Cooked or Melted Cheddar

  • Heating cheese until it is bubbling (reaching approximately 165°F) provides an additional safety margin against surface bacteria.

Pre-packaged Slices

  • Factory-sealed individual slices or packs minimize the risk of cross-contamination associated with deli counters.

Aged Hard Cheddar

  • Varieties aged over 60 days have lower moisture levels, further reducing the likelihood of bacterial survival.

Risks & Limits

Unpasteurized Cheddar Cheese

  • Avoid cheddar cheese made from unpasteurized (raw) milk, as it may contain harmful bacteria like Listeria.

Soft Cheeses Made from Unpasteurized Milk

  • Limit or avoid soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, and blue-veined cheeses unless they are clearly labeled as made from pasteurized milk.

Cheese from Unreliable Sources

  • Avoid purchasing cheese from unregulated markets or sources where pasteurization and hygiene standards cannot be verified.

Unpasteurized Raw Cheddar

  • While aged raw cheddar is legally sold, pasteurized versions are preferred to eliminate any residual risk of Listeria.

Deli-Sliced Cheddar

  • Cheese sliced at a deli counter carries a higher risk of cross-contamination from equipment used for meats or soft cheeses.

Key Points from Health Guidelines

Based on FDA, Mayo Clinic published guidance

  • 1
    Verify that cheddar cheese is labeled as made from pasteurized milk.
  • 2
    Stay updated on FDA recalls related to cheese products.
  • 3
    Store cheese at or below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacterial growth.
  • 4
    Consume cheese before its expiration date.
  • 5
    Avoid cheeses from unregulated or unverified sources.
  • 6
    When dining out, inquire about the use of pasteurized cheese in dishes.
  • 7
    Maintain good hygiene practices when handling and preparing cheese.

Common Questions

Is it safe to eat cheddar cheese during the first trimester?
Yes, consuming cheddar cheese made from pasteurized milk is safe during all stages of pregnancy, including the first trimester. Pasteurization eliminates harmful bacteria, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
How much cheddar cheese can I safely consume while pregnant?
There are no specific guidelines on the amount of cheddar cheese to consume during pregnancy. Moderate consumption as part of a balanced diet is generally considered safe.
What are the risks of consuming unpasteurized cheddar cheese during pregnancy?
Unpasteurized cheddar cheese may contain Listeria monocytogenes, which can lead to listeriosis. This infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or severe illness in newborns.
Are there safer alternatives to cheddar cheese during pregnancy?
Yes, other hard cheeses made from pasteurized milk, such as Parmesan, Swiss, and Gouda, are safe alternatives. Processed cheese products made with pasteurized ingredients are also safe options.
How should I store cheddar cheese to ensure its safety during pregnancy?
Store cheddar cheese in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). Keep it in its original packaging or wrap it tightly to prevent contamination. Consume it before the expiration date for optimal safety.

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