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Cheeses made from raw or "unpasteurized" milk can contain bacteria that might make your baby sick — even before he's born.
You can help keep your baby safe by avoiding cheeses made from unpasteurized milk. Here's what you need to know:
- "Queso Fresco" is a Mexican-style soft cheese that is sometimes made with unpasteurized milk. Many types of cheeses can be made "Queso Fresco" style — including Queso Fresco, Panela, Asadero, and Queso Blanco.
- Unpasteurized cheeses are often sold door-to-door, at flea markets, from the back of trucks, or brought into the U.S. from Mexico or Central America.
- Before eating any of these soft Mexican-style cheeses, read the label to make sure it says "Made from Pasteurized Milk," or "Pasteurized." If it doesn't — do not eat the cheese.
- If you think you may have eaten contaminated cheese while pregnant, call your doctor or clinic.
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What Does
"Pasteurized" Mean?
- Pasteurized means that a food, like milk, is heated at a processing plant to kill bacteria.
- Unpasteurized (raw) milk has not been heated at a processing plant, and may contain dangerous bacteria that can hurt or kill your unborn baby – even if you don't feel sick!
Eating Cheeses Made From
Unpasteurized Milk
Can Cause Listeriosis
- This dangerous disease can cause birth defects and other serious problems — even the death of your baby.
Cheese Made From
Unpasteurized Milk Can
Cause Other Diseases, Too
These have been known to include:
- Tuberculosis
- Salmonellosis
- Brucellosis
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