When pregnant, can I eat mozzarella?

A pregnant woman's diet sometimes seems complicated to implement. However, once you know which foods are allowed and which are forbidden, everything becomes easier. Mozzarella is one of the cheeses that you can eat with caution to avoid developing certain diseases.

Can you eat mozzarella when pregnant? Fresh mozzarella should be avoided. On the other hand, industrial mozzarella sold in stores, vacuum-packed, does not pose a problem. Made from pasteurized milk, it can be consumed when pregnant.

Industrial mozzarellas are all produced using pasteurized milk, i.e. cooked at an average of 70°C. This eliminates all bacteria present such as those of listeriosis or salmonellosis. This cheese, of Italian origin, is therefore cooked. There is therefore no risk if you eat it from time to time. On the other hand, you will have to be careful to respect the cold chain to properly preserve the food. Mozzarella should be eaten quickly, preferably in one go " or maximum two days in the fridge in a glass container that repels bacteria. The temperature of the fridge should be less than 4°C, to avoid the development of micro-organisms ",  explains Rebecca Chocron, dietician nutritionist.  

Artisanal mozzarellas are strongly discouraged during the entire pregnancy period. "Mozzarellas  are raw, they are made from milk that is not pasteurized and they are very exposed to bacteria, because they are presented in the open air for hours in cheese shops or stores. While those in supermarkets are in closed packaging, in refrigerators  ," emphasizes Rebecca Chocron. There is a chance of catching listeriosis or salmonellosis by consuming this artisanal product. The manufacturing process involves many risks for the pregnant woman and her baby. To avoid them, it is best to buy this cheese in a supermarket.

Cheeses are not allowed for a pregnant woman. On the other hand, "  all cooked cheeses  such as comté , tome, gruyère, emmental, beaufort and abondance can be consumed by a woman who is expecting a baby  ", emphasizes Rebecca Chocron. Unlike soft cheeses, such as reblochon, cheddar , saint-nectaire, cantal (non-exhaustive list) which can induce risks for the health of the future mother and for the proper development of the fetus. 

There is no problem for a pregnant woman to consume industrial parmesan, because it is a cooked cheese. You can garnish your dishes with this food which is totally authorized and which will bring benefits to your body and that of your baby. 

During pregnancy, a woman can consume industrial ricotta. " Ricotta is a soft cheese to spread. It is a processed cheese, therefore cooked, and made from pasteurized milk  ," explains Rebecca Chocron. A pregnant woman can therefore eat this type of dairy product.  

Feta is a product made from sheep's or goat's milk.  Industrial feta is not a problem for a pregnant woman. This cheese, sold in supermarkets, is made from pasteurized milk. It is a dairy product that is not very caloric, but it is quite salty. "  If you easily retain water or have high blood pressure, it is best not to eat it  ," warns the dietician nutritionist. 

Listeriosis  is a serious foodborne infection. If a pregnant woman contracts listeriosis, the consequences can be serious for the fetus. If left untreated, the disease can lead to septicemia or infection of the central nervous system . Listeriosis can cause spontaneous abortions, premature births or fetal death in utero. In order to avoid contamination, it is best to "avoid  cooked or raw delicatessen products consumed as is (cooked or raw ham, products in jelly, foie gras, pâté, rillettes, raw cheeses, etc.). According to the Ministry of Solidarity and Health, "  the people most exposed to the risk of contamination by Listeria monocytogenes are immunocompromised people, the elderly, pregnant women and newborns. " In France, the disease is very rare (its annual incidence is 5 to 6 cases per million inhabitants).    

Salmonella is a bacteria found in various foods. It grows at temperatures around 37°C and can pass into the bloodstream. It can cause acute gastroenteritis, with the following symptoms: abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, or muscle pain. Salmonellosis is eradicated when cooked. In expectant mothers, salmonellosis is dangerous because it can lead, in very rare cases, to premature delivery. Salmonellosis can also cause delayed fetal growth. If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor promptly.

It is important to differentiate between hard cheeses and soft cheeses. Some cheeses (hard cheeses) are completely permitted during pregnancy, provided that the cold chain is respected. While other cheeses (soft cheeses) should be avoided in the diet. Always ask your doctor, midwife or nutritionist for advice.