Can Pregnant Women Eat Brie Cheese? | The Pasteurized Rule

Yes, but only if the brie is made from pasteurized milk and heated until steaming hot (165°F) to kill potential listeria.

Few pregnancy cravings spark as much debate as a wedge of creamy brie. One minute it sounds delicious, the next you’re worried about food safety warnings. The confusion is understandable because the advice depends on two factors that aren’t always obvious from the cheese counter.

The honest answer: pregnant women can eat brie cheese when certain conditions are met. Pasteurization kills the bacteria that cause listeriosis, and thorough heating provides an extra layer of safety. But cold, unpasteurized, or improperly stored brie carries risks worth taking seriously. Here’s what the research says and how to enjoy brie safely.

Why Brie Can Be Risky During Pregnancy

The main concern with brie is Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause listeriosis. Pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get a listeria infection than the general population, according to the CDC. The infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm labor.

Soft-ripened cheeses like brie are especially concerning because they have high moisture and low acidity — conditions where listeria can grow even at typical refrigerator temperatures (40°F). Refrigeration alone does not eliminate the risk, which is why health authorities emphasize pasteurization and cooking.

Why the Confusion Persists

Pasteurization status, cooking recommendations, and varying advice from different sources can make brie seem like a minefield. Let’s clear up common misunderstandings.

• All brie is unsafe: Unpasteurized brie is risky, but pasteurized brie that is cooked until steaming hot is generally considered safe by the NHS and other health authorities.
• Pasteurized brie is risk-free cold: Some sources note that even pasteurized brie has a high‑moisture texture that could support bacterial growth if contamination occurs after pasteurization. The NHS recommends avoiding cold pasteurized brie as a precaution.
• If I’ve eaten it already, I’ll get sick: Most listeria infections are rare, and many people never develop symptoms. Monitor for fever, muscle aches, or upset stomach, and call your provider if concerned.
• Cooking doesn’t matter: Heat kills listeria effectively. The NHS advises cooking brie until “piping hot” throughout (165°F/74°C).

The key is knowing whether your brie is pasteurized and how you plan to serve it. A simple label check plus a quick oven bake can turn a risky snack into a safe treat.

When Brie Is Safe to Eat

The safest way to enjoy brie during pregnancy is to choose pasteurized brie and cook it until it is steaming hot all the way through. This kills any potential listeria bacteria. Baked brie dishes are a popular choice for this reason.

What the Experts Recommend

Dr. Rabin from Hofstra University explains that cheeses carry significant risk during pregnancy due to listeria bacteria. Even if your brie is pasteurized, the high moisture content means it is not zero‑risk if served cold. Some authorities prefer cooking all soft‑ripened cheeses as a precaution.

These categories show that cooking is a powerful safety step. But not all brie is equal — the pasteurization label is your first clue.

What to Check Before You Eat Brie

Before you take a bite, run through these quick checks to make sure your brie is pregnancy‑safe.

1. Read the label for pasteurization. Look for “pasteurized milk” or “made from pasteurized milk.” If it says “raw milk” or “unpasteurized,” set it aside.
2. Check the origin and type. Imported soft cheeses are more likely to be unpasteurized. Double‑cream and triple‑cream brie follow the same rules.
3. Decide how you’ll eat it. If you plan to serve it cold, consider cooking instead. If baking, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F throughout.
4. Store and handle safely. Keep brie refrigerated at or below 40°F and eat it before the use‑by date. Listeria can grow in the fridge over time.

Two quick label checks and a few minutes in the oven can resolve nearly all the uncertainty around brie. If you’re eating out, ask the server whether the brie is pasteurized and how it is prepared.

Other Soft Cheeses and Safe Alternatives

Brie isn’t the only cheese that requires caution. Other soft‑ripened cheeses like camembert, as well as blue‑veined varieties and queso fresco, carry similar risks during pregnancy. Per the NHS pregnancy food guide, all soft cheeses with a white rind should be avoided unless cooked until steaming hot.

Safe Cheese Options

Hard cheeses — such as cheddar, parmesan, and Swiss — are generally considered safe because their low moisture content inhibits listeria growth. Pasteurized processed cheeses and cream cheese are also fine. These can be good substitutes when you are not in the mood to cook.

The Bottom Line

Pregnant women can eat brie cheese safely by choosing pasteurized varieties and heating them until steaming hot. Cooking kills listeria bacteria, and pasteurization provides an extra layer of protection. Cold pasteurized brie is generally considered safe by some sources, though others advise cooking it as a precaution. The most consistent recommendation is to heat soft‑ripened cheeses thoroughly.

If you are unsure about a specific brie or have already eaten unpasteurized cheese, your obstetrician or midwife can help assess any risk based on your health history and how the cheese was prepared.