While certain varieties of goat cheese can pose a risk during pregnancy due to the potential for foodborne illnesses, it's essential to understand that not all goat cheese is off-limits. Pregnant women can indeed enjoy various foods that contribute positively to their health, yet they must also be cautious about what they consume. The distinction between beneficial and harmful foods can often be ambiguous, especially when considering factors such as preparation methods and sourcing.

For example, while some goat cheese might be safe to consume in certain situations, it could become unsafe in others. This highlights the importance of being informed about which types of goat cheese are appropriate for pregnant women to eat and which varieties they should steer clear of.

This article aims to clarify which goat cheese options are considered safe during pregnancy and details the varieties that should be avoided.

Risks of Goat Cheese Consumption During Pregnancy

When it comes to goat cheese, certain types are deemed unsafe for pregnant women due to the heightened risk of foodborne illnesses. Expectant mothers face an increased vulnerability to food poisoning, with studies indicating they are 10–20 times more likely to contract listeriosis, a serious infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, compared to the general population.

While listeriosis may present mild symptoms such as fever and flu-like discomfort for the mother, it poses severe risks to the fetus, potentially leading to meningitis, bloodstream infections, or even fatal consequences. The concern is particularly acute with soft cheeses made from raw, unpasteurized goat milk, as these varieties carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination. This risk also extends to all surface-ripened goat cheeses.

Surface-ripened goat cheese, often referred to as mold-ripened, is characterized by its soft white rind, reminiscent of Brie and Camembert cheeses. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), raw and surface-ripened soft cheeses are estimated to be 50–160 times more likely to harbor Listeria compared to their pasteurized counterparts, significantly elevating the risk of listeriosis during pregnancy. Given the potential dangers, it is advisable for pregnant women to avoid soft goat cheeses that are either surface-ripened or crafted from raw, unpasteurized goat milk to mitigate the risk of listeriosis.

Goat Cheese Varieties Considered Safe for Consumption During Pregnancy

Several types of goat cheese are generally recognized as safe to consume during pregnancy, primarily due to their reduced risk of foodborne illnesses. Nonetheless, it’s important to acknowledge that there is still a minor risk of bacterial contamination.

Among the safe options are:

  • Pasteurized goat cheeses. The process of pasteurization effectively eliminates bacteria, yeast, and mold that are typically present in milk. All pasteurized goat cheeses—except for those that are surface-ripened—are deemed safe for pregnant individuals.
  • Hard goat cheeses. Hard cheeses possess a low moisture content, which inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria. Many health experts consider both pasteurized and unpasteurized varieties of hard cheeses to be safe for pregnant women.

You can easily differentiate hard goat cheese from its soft counterpart by observing its texture. Hard cheese will not leave an indentation when pressed with a finger, whereas soft cheese will yield. To verify whether a cheese is pasteurized, simply check the product label.

It's essential to remember that cooking effectively destroys harmful bacteria, including Listeria. Therefore, dishes such as a goat cheese tart, sauce, or pizza topped with goat cheese are usually safe to enjoy. As per guidelines from health authorities like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it is crucial to ensure that the cheese is cooked thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Soft goat cheeses made from pasteurized milk, along with all hard goat cheeses, are typically considered safe for pregnant women, provided they are not surface-ripened.

Is goat cheese safe during breastfeeding?

Following childbirth, many women can typically resume enjoying a variety of foods that they had to limit during their pregnancy. This includes various forms of goat cheese (chèvre). In general, aside from caffeine, alcohol, and fish with high mercury levels, there are very few foods that need to be restricted while breastfeeding. However, it's important to note that your dietary choices can affect both the composition and taste of your breast milk. If you observe that your baby frequently becomes ill or irritable soon after breastfeeding, it may be wise to consult your healthcare provider. Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is recognized as the most prevalent food allergy in infants during their first year. Overall, goat cheese is deemed safe for consumption while breastfeeding, and breastfeeding mothers typically need to limit only a small selection of foods.

The Bottom Line

During pregnancy, it is essential to be cautious about the types of goat cheese you consume; certain varieties can raise your risk of foodborne illnesses. Generally, hard cheeses and non-surface-ripened pasteurized cheeses are regarded as safe options. However, it is advisable to steer clear of soft cheeses made from unpasteurized goat’s milk (a.k.a. goat cheese or chèvre in some regions).

Additionally, when goat cheese is incorporated into dishes that are thoroughly cooked, such as in sauces, tarts, or as a topping on pizza, it is considered safer to enjoy. This cooking process effectively eliminates harmful bacteria, ensuring a healthier choice for expectant mothers.