Is Mozzarella Safe During Pregnancy?

Quick Answer

Yes, mozzarella can be safe during pregnancy when it is made from pasteurised milk and handled properly. Fresh mozzarella, burrata, and buffalo mozzarella are safe when pasteurised; cooking further reduces risk. Unpasteurised soft cheeses carry a higher risk of Listeria and should be avoided.

Why Pasteurisation Matters

Mozzarella is a soft, high-moisture cheese. Soft cheeses are more prone to bacterial growth than hard cheeses. Pasteurisation (heating milk to kill harmful bacteria) makes fresh mozzarella significantly safer for pregnant women.

Types of Mozzarella

• Fresh mozzarella (balls in brine): safe when pasteurised. Check labels.
• Burrata (mozzarella shell with creamy centre): safe when pasteurised; avoid unpasteurised versions.
• Buffalo mozzarella (from water buffalo milk): safe if explicitly labelled pasteurised.
• Low‑moisture mozzarella (shredded/pizza cheese): typically pasteurised and safe.

Label Reading Tips

• Look for words like “pasteurised milk” or “made with pasteurised milk”.
• At markets or restaurants, ask staff to confirm pasteurisation.
• Avoid “raw milk” or “unpasteurised” cheeses during pregnancy.

Cooking Makes It Safer

Heating mozzarella until it melts and steams helps reduce bacterial risk. Pizzas, lasagne, baked pasta, and grilled sandwiches made with pasteurised cheese are safe choices.

• Ensure dishes are piping hot throughout.
• Leftovers should be refrigerated promptly and reheated thoroughly before eating.

Listeria Risk: What You Need to Know

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can grow in soft cheeses if they are unpasteurised or mishandled. It can cause severe illness in pregnancy. Reduce risk by choosing pasteurised products, storing correctly, and avoiding foods held at unsafe temperatures.

Nutrition Benefits and Considerations

• Calcium supports fetal bone development.
• Protein helps meet daily needs.
• Sodium can be high in brined cheeses—balance with fresh produce.

Safe Ways to Enjoy Mozzarella

• Caprese salad using pasteurised mozzarella, washed tomatoes, and clean basil.
• Whole‑grain pizza with cooked vegetables and pasteurised cheese.
• Baked chicken parmesan topped with melted mozzarella.

Storage and Handling

• Refrigerate at ≤4°C and keep submerged in brine if applicable.
• Use opened fresh mozzarella within 2–3 days.
• Avoid cross‑contamination with raw meats or unwashed produce.

What to Avoid

• Unpasteurised fresh mozzarella, burrata, or buffalo mozzarella.
• Cheese from unknown sources without pasteurisation information.
• Prepared deli salads with raw egg sauces or unknown handling.

Ordering Tips

• Ask for confirmation of pasteurised cheese.
• Request dishes served hot; avoid items held at room temperature.
• Skip house‑made mayonnaise unless pasteurised is confirmed.

FAQs

• Is supermarket mozzarella pasteurised? In many countries, yes. Check the label.
• Is smoked mozzarella safe? Yes when pasteurised; ensure proper refrigeration.
• Can I eat burrata? Yes if pasteurised and kept cold; avoid unpasteurised.

Related Reading

See also: Is Deli Meat Safe During Pregnancy?, Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy, and Is Sushi Safe During Pregnancy?.

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