Brie is a soft, mold-ripened cheese characterized by its creamy texture and edible white rind. Due to its specific composition, the cold, unheated form of Brie is generally discouraged for consumption by pregnant individuals. The high moisture content and low acidity of this type of cheese create an environment that can be conducive to the growth of certain harmful microorganisms. Soft, ripened cheeses should be avoided unless they have been cooked thoroughly.
The Specific Risk of Listeria
The primary concern with eating cold Brie during pregnancy is the risk of infection by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. This microorganism is unique because it can continue to grow and multiply even at refrigerator temperatures, which makes soft cheeses a potential reservoir. Pregnant women are approximately 10 to 20 times more likely to contract the resulting illness, listeriosis, than the general healthy adult population.
While the infection may cause only mild, flu-like symptoms for the mother, the consequences for the developing fetus can be severe. Listeria bacteria can cross the placenta, leading to systemic infection in the fetus. This infection can result in serious complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, and severe health issues for the newborn.
The Importance of Pasteurization
Many consumers look for the “pasteurized” label, believing it eliminates the risk, which is a nuanced understanding in the case of soft cheeses. Pasteurization is a heat treatment process applied to the milk, designed to kill harmful bacteria like Listeria before the cheese-making process begins. Therefore, Brie made from unpasteurized or raw milk carries a significantly higher risk of contamination.
However, the risk is not completely removed even if the Brie is made with pasteurized milk. The moist, low-acid nature of the cheese’s interior and its mold-ripened rind continues to support bacterial growth. Listeria contamination can occur after pasteurization during the manufacturing, packaging, or handling stages.
Because the bacteria can survive and thrive in the cool, damp conditions of the ready-to-eat cheese, any soft-ripened cheese, regardless of its pasteurization status, is considered high-risk when consumed cold. The vulnerability of the pregnant person’s immune system means the safest course is to avoid the cold product altogether.
Making Brie Safe Through Cooking
The most effective way to eliminate the risk posed by Listeria monocytogenes is by applying sufficient heat. Cooking the cheese until it is steaming hot destroys the bacteria, making it safe to eat. The goal is to ensure the cheese reaches an internal temperature of \(165^\circ\)F (\(74^\circ\)C).
This high-heat treatment must be thorough, meaning the cheese should be bubbling or steaming hot throughout the entire portion. Simple melting is not always enough if the internal temperature does not reach the necessary level to guarantee bacterial elimination. Safe consumption methods include baked Brie, melting the cheese fully into a hot sauce, or incorporating it into a casserole or pizza.
The heat treatment essentially neutralizes the bacterial threat, offering a safe path to enjoy the cheese’s flavor and texture. When preparing, ensure that the cheese is not just warmed, but cooked until fully integrated and hot.
Extending the Warning to Other Soft Cheeses
The same food safety warning applied to Brie extends to several other categories of soft cheeses. Any mold-ripened soft cheese with a white coating, like Camembert or Chèvre with a rind, should be treated with the same caution. These share the high-moisture and low-acidity profile that supports bacterial growth.
Soft blue-veined cheeses, such as Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and Danish Blue, also fall into the high-risk group and should be avoided unless cooked. Even soft, unripened cheeses like Feta, Ricotta, and Queso Fresco are often included in this warning, especially if made with unpasteurized milk. When these cheeses are purchased in their soft, cold state, they should be heated until steaming hot for safe consumption during pregnancy.