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Is Soft mould-ripened cheese (Brie, Camembert) safe in pregnancy?
Best avoided
Avoid unless cooked through until steaming hot.
What the evidence says
Soft mould-ripened cheeses like Brie, Camembert, chèvre (goat’s cheese with a white rind) and similar should be avoided unless they are cooked until steaming hot all the way through (e.g. baked Brie). Pasteurisation is not sufficient on its own for these cheeses.
Why this matters
Soft mould-ripened cheeses can contain Listeria bacteria, which grow even at fridge temperatures and can cause serious illness in pregnancy.
Source:NHS guidance on cheese in pregnancy
Last reviewed:April 2026
Please note — This is general guidance based on NHS advice as of April 2026. It is not medical advice. For advice on your specific pregnancy, please speak to your midwife or GP.
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