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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