If you’re pregnant and love Burrata cheese, you might be wondering whether it’s safe to eat or not. Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese that contains cream and shreds of mozzarella, making it difficult to categorize as safe or not safe to eat during pregnancy. However, with the right information, you can enjoy this delicious cheese safely while pregnant.
In this complete guide, I will provide you with all the information you need to know about Burrata cheese and pregnancy. We will cover topics such as whether it’s safe to eat Burrata cheese when pregnant, whether it’s considered a soft cheese, whether it’s pasteurized, and what to look for when buying Burrata cheese. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about Burrata cheese and pregnancy, including what to do if you accidentally eat Burrata while pregnant and whether you can eat mozzarella while pregnant.
Can I Eat Burrata Cheese When Pregnant?
As a pregnant woman, it is important to be cautious about the foods you consume. Burrata cheese is safe for pregnant women if made with pasteurized ingredients. In the USA, most burrata cheese is pasteurized, so it is safe to consume. However, outside of the USA, burrata cheese may be made with unpasteurized ingredients, which could pose a risk to pregnant women. It is important to check with the vendor to ensure that the cheese is made with pasteurized ingredients.
Is Burrata Cheese Considered A Soft Cheese?
Yes, burrata cheese is considered a soft cheese. Pregnant women are often advised to avoid soft cheeses due to the risk of listeria contamination. However, it is safe to consume burrata cheese during pregnancy as long as it is made from pasteurized milk. It is also important to ensure that the cream used in the cheese is pasteurized or ultra-heat treated (UHT). Soft cheeses such as brie, camembert, chevre, and blue-veined cheese should be avoided during pregnancy. By choosing pasteurized burrata cheese, pregnant women can safely enjoy this delicious cheese without any worries.
Is Burrata Cheese Pasteurized?
What About Cooked Burrata?
Burrata cheese can be made anywhere and there are no rules in place stating that it has to be made with pasteurized milk or cream. Therefore, it is important to check with restaurants or stores if you are eating burrata abroad. However, burrata cheese produced in the USA is always made using pasteurized ingredients as stated by FDA rules, making it safe for pregnant women to consume.
If you are consuming cooked burrata, it is perfectly safe to eat during pregnancy as the cooking process kills most bacteria, including listeria. However, it is worth noting that cooking burrata affects its taste. If you have any doubts about any cheese you are wanting to eat while you are pregnant, you could always cook them until they are steaming hot as this will kill off any bacteria.
Smoked burrata can be eaten while you are pregnant as long as it has been made using pasteurized milk and cream. Smoking does not cook the cheese thoroughly enough to make a difference to the safety of the cheese. When eating this type of burrata cheese, it is the ingredients that will count, and they have to be pasteurized in order to be safe.
Some Safe Burrata Brands
During pregnancy, it is important to consume burrata cheese made from pasteurized milk and cream to avoid the risk of listeria contamination. Here are some safe burrata brands that use pasteurized ingredients in their cheese-making process:
- Vanata
- Belgiogioso
- Gioia
- Di Stefano
- Lioni
- Calabro
- Deca & Otto
It is important to note that other safe brands may be available in your area, so always check the labels and ask your vendor if the cheese is made with pasteurized ingredients. Some other safe brands include La Casa Del Formaggio, La Stella, and Galbani.
What To Know When Buying Burrata Cheese?
When buying burrata cheese, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you get the best quality and flavor. First, it is important to check the label and expiration date to ensure that the cheese is fresh and safe to eat. If you are purchasing artisan or fresh burrata from a deli, make sure it has protective packaging to prevent cross-contamination. Additionally, since burrata cheese doesn’t travel well, it is best to buy it from a local source or store. Finally, if the burrata is made fresh, it should be eaten within 48 hours for the best flavor.
FAQs
What should I do if I accidentally eat Burrata while pregnant?
While most commercially made burrata cheese is made from pasteurized milk, there is still a small chance that you may have consumed burrata made with unpasteurized milk, particularly if you are enjoying fresh burrata cheese in Italy. If you have any doubts, it’s best to monitor yourself for any symptoms of foodborne illness that are out of the ordinary for you. If you feel unwell, have an upset stomach, sickness, or diarrhea, it’s important to contact a health professional and let them know that there is a chance that you have eaten an unpasteurized product. This is just to be on the safe side.
Can I eat mozzarella while pregnant?
Yes, you can eat mozzarella cheese while pregnant, as long as it is made from pasteurized milk. The pasteurization process virtually eliminates harmful bacteria, making mozzarella that is made from pasteurized milk safe to consume during pregnancy, both cooked and in its fresh, uncooked form. Most producers don’t use raw milk in their products, so the chances of consuming unpasteurized mozzarella are very small. However, if you have any doubts, it’s best to check the label and ensure that the mozzarella cheese is made from pasteurized milk.
The Final Thought
In conclusion, burrata cheese can be safely consumed during pregnancy as long as it is made from pasteurized ingredients. The risk of consuming unpasteurized burrata is negligible, especially in the USA where FDA guidelines are in place. It is important to take precautions and ensure that the burrata cheese you are consuming is pasteurized to avoid any potential health risks.
Moderation is key when it comes to consuming any type of food during pregnancy, including burrata cheese. It is important to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet while also enjoying your favorite foods in moderation.
It is essential to keep in mind that every pregnancy is unique, and it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet.
Overall, as long as you take the necessary precautions and consume burrata cheese in moderation, there is no reason why you cannot continue to enjoy this delicious cheese during your pregnancy.
