Can you eat feta cheese while pregnant?
Check firstFeta is safe as long as it is made with pasteurized milk, which covers most feta sold in US grocery stores. Check the label and skip any made from raw milk.
Why
Soft cheeses made from unpasteurized (raw) milk can carry Listeria. The CDC says not to eat soft cheeses like feta unless the label says made with pasteurized milk, and the NHS lists pasteurized feta among the safe cheeses. One quick label check and your Greek salad is back on the menu.
Safer alternatives
- Pasteurized mozzarella
- Hard cheeses like cheddar or parmesan
- Pasteurized ricotta
Sources
- CDC https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/prevention/index.html
- NHS https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/
Every verdict follows our sourcing methodology: official health guidelines only, most cautious position when they differ.
Frequently asked questions
Is the feta on a restaurant salad safe?
In the US, restaurant feta is almost always pasteurized, but it is fine to ask. If nobody can confirm, choose a hard cheese instead, or order the dish without cheese.
Is baked or grilled feta safe while pregnant?
Yes. Cooking feta until it is steaming hot kills Listeria, so baked feta pasta and grilled feta are safe even when you are unsure about the label.
Does imported feta follow the same rule?
Yes, the rule is the milk, not the country: pasteurized is fine, raw milk is not. Imported feta sold in US stores states this on the label, so give it a quick check.
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Get instant verdicts on any foodpregAI is informational only and is not medical advice. Always check with your doctor or midwife about anything specific to your pregnancy.