Yes, virtually all brie sold in Australian supermarkets is made from pasteurized milk, making it safe for most people, but the NSW Food Authority advises pregnant women to avoid all soft cheeses like brie unless cooked thoroughly due to potential Listeria risk, even if pasteurized, as it's a higher-risk food. Imported unpasteurized (raw milk) brie is rare in Australia due to regulations, but always check labels for "pasteurized" or "raw milk," especially with deli or artisanal cheeses, say experts, sources, and articles.
Don't eat soft cheeses, such as brie, camembert, blue cheese, ricotta and feta. These cheeses may contain listeria, which is a type of bacteria. It can get into the cheese during the manufacturing process.
INGREDIENTS: Pasteurised Cow's Milk, Salt, Cultures (Milk), Vegetarian Rennet.
She points out that people can purchase pasteurized brie, but the pasteurization process may or may not kill all of the bacteria. “It may be a little safer than unpasteurized, but there's still a risk,” said Dr. Rabin.
Bottom Line. Brie can be safe during pregnancy if it's pasteurized and thoroughly heated. Otherwise, it's best to skip it to avoid the risk of listeria. If you're craving something cheesy, try safer alternatives like pasteurized hard cheeses or melted mozzarella.
There's a small chance that unpasteurised or soft ripened dairy products may contain Listeria bacteria. This can cause an infection called listeriosis. Listeriosis can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth, or make your newborn baby very unwell. Soft cheeses with a white coating on the outside have more moisture.
The CDC warns that unpasteurized cheese can carry a rare but deadly germ called listeria, and pregnant people are 10 times more likely than other people to get a listeria infection. “This infection can lead to premature delivery, miscarriage, stillbirth or severe illness in newborns,” notes Patel.
Choose pasteurized dairy: Stick to cheeses labeled as pasteurized, such as cheddar, Swiss or even semi-soft options like mozzarella. Avoid soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert or anything that doesn't clearly state it's pasteurized.
Raw milk cheeses, like traditional unpasteurized brie, carry a high risk of foodborne illness. Know that pasteurized soft cheeses are not without risk; they can become infected with Listeria if the cheese is produced in facilities with unsanitary conditions or if it is not stored or handled safely.
In Australia, all cheeses that are sold in supermarkets are pasteurised, a heating process that will kill most nasty bacteria.
Ingredients. Pasteurised cow's milk, salt, starter culture, animal rennet.
Lactose intolerance is a condition that makes it hard to digest the sugar in milk and milk products, called lactose. People with lactose intolerance often have diarrhea, gas and bloating after eating or drinking foods containing lactose. The condition is usually harmless, but its symptoms can cause discomfort.
When pregnant in Australia, avoid high-risk foods like soft cheeses, deli meats, raw seafood/meat/eggs, sprouts, and unpasteurized dairy to prevent Listeria, Salmonella, and Toxoplasmosis; also limit high-mercury fish (shark, marlin), caffeine (under 200mg/day), and all alcohol, ensuring all meat, poultry, and eggs are thoroughly cooked. Focus on well-cooked meals and fresh produce to stay safe and healthy.
Soft cheeses with a soft white rind (brie, camembert, taleggio, etc) and soft blue cheeses (gorgonzola, dolcelatte, Danish blue) should be avoided unless they are cooked until steaming hot all the way through. This is because they may carry listeria, which can cause serious illness in pregnancy.
Many countries now say it's fine to eat, but the Australian guidelines still tend to recommend against consuming feta while pregnant. Technically speaking, most feta on the market in Australia is made from pasteurised milk and therefore should be ok.
Try to avoid any cheese with a white rind like Brie in pregnancy (unless you cook it until piping hot 😋). If you've accidentally some but felt well afterwards then try not to worry. The risk is the bacteria called listeria which can cause listeriosis and make you poorly.
Cravings can occur at any point during your pregnancy. If you're going to have cravings, it's common for them to start in the first trimester around the fifth week. It is even possible you get cravings at 1-week pregnant!
Only eat cured meats (like salami, pepperoni, chorizo and prosciutto) if they've been thoroughly cooked until steaming hot. You should not eat game meat, like hare, partridge or pheasant due to the presence of lead. You should also not eat raw or rare meat as this can cause food poisoning.
There's a small chance that unpasteurised or soft ripened dairy products may contain Listeria bacteria. This can cause an infection called listeriosis. Listeriosis can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth, or make your newborn baby very unwell. Soft cheeses with a white coating on the outside have more moisture.
Pasteurization in the United States involves heating milk up to about 160°F for the purpose of killing bacteria that could make you sick. The boiling point of milk is about 212°F, so it is never actually brought to a boil during the pasteurization process.
When pregnant, avoid soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, Feta, Blue Cheese, and some Mexican cheeses (Queso Fresco) unless they are clearly labeled as pasteurized or cooked until steaming hot, as they can harbor Listeria bacteria, which poses serious risks to the baby. Always check labels for pasteurization and opt for hard cheeses or pasteurized versions of soft cheeses, or cook them thoroughly.
The high potassium levels could potentially cause dizziness, vomiting, or an increased pulse rate if taken in excess. By being mindful of your banana consumption, you can avoid potential discomforts and maintain a healthy weight while still benefiting from its nutritional value.
Every year in the United States, about 1 in 25,000 pregnant women are infected with Listeria. Listeria can spread to your baby during pregnancy cause harm, even if you do not feel very sick. Sadly, 1 in 4 pregnant women who get this illness lose their pregnancy or their baby shortly after birth.
Certain meats and fish
Raw or undercooked meat, including beef, poultry and pork. This includes hotdogs and deli meat (like ham or bologna). If you eat hotdogs or deli meat, cook them until they are steaming hot or just avoid completely.