Can I eat queso fresco while pregnant?
It's generally best to avoid queso fresco during pregnancy due to the risk of Listeria.
Emily · mom-to-be
Grounded in ACOG, FDA & NHS guidance
Oh, mama, I know how tempting some cheeses can be! Unfortunately, authoritative guidelines from the FDA and CDC strongly recommend that pregnant women avoid queso fresco-type cheeses. This is because these cheeses are highly susceptible to *Listeria* bacteria, which can cause a serious illness called listeriosis. Even if queso fresco is made with pasteurized milk, it can still become contaminated with *Listeria* if the manufacturing conditions aren't sanitary.
Listeriosis can have severe consequences during pregnancy, including miscarriage, premature delivery, stillbirth, or serious illness in newborns. The risk of pregnant women getting listeriosis is significantly higher than for the general population.
If any cheese, including queso fresco, is cooked until it's bubbling and steaming hot, this can kill potential bacteria, but it's still generally advised to be cautious with queso fresco specifically.
Always check with your OB for personalized advice, mama.
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