Brie can be eaten during pregnancy, but only with important precautions. What to know

• Safety depends on pasteurization and cooking the cheese thoroughly.
• Soft cheeses like Brie carry a higher risk of containing listeria, a bacteria that can affect pregnancy. If the cheese is unpasteurized or not heated to a safe temperature, it should be avoided.

• If Brie is made from pasteurized milk and is heated until steaming hot (165°F / 74°C) and served hot, it’s generally considered safe to consume in pregnancy. Fully cooking soft cheeses kills any potential listeria that could be present.

• If unsure about pasteurization or proper heating, safer alternatives include pasteurized hard cheeses (e.g., cheddar, Swiss) or melted, thoroughly heated Brie prepared to the recommended temperature.

Practical tips

• Read labels to confirm pasteurization. If it’s a soft Brie sold in the U.S. or UK and labeled pasteurized, it’s typically safer when handled properly.
• Avoid soft Brie served cold or stored improperly. Reheat unopened brie until steaming hot before eating if you choose to include it in your meal.

• Consider safer dairy options during pregnancy if there are any concerns: pasteurized cheeses, or cheeses that are fully melted and served hot.

Bottom line

• Yes, Brie can be part of a pregnancy diet, but only if it’s pasteurized and heated thoroughly until steaming. If there’s any doubt about pasteurization or safe cooking, skip it and choose safer cheese options.