Hello Marie, I am pregnant and am all confused by what I can and can’t eat. Can I eat washed-rind cheese like camembert and brie if they are pasteurised?

Thanks, Anne

In fact, it is not recommended to eat washed-rind cheeses (like brie and camembert) even if they are pasteurised. They can still be infected with listeriosis bacteria. This bacteria can be dangerous during pregnancy, as it can cause a miscarriage, premature birth or severe infection for the baby. If you want to eat it from time to time, some health professionals suggest heating it in the oven at a high temperature. This will destroy the bacteria, which can’t tolerate high temperatures. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, right?

Talk soon,

Marie

The Baby Expert