Can You Eat Burrata When Pregnant?

The Beauty of Burrata Cheese 

The fresh Italian cheese called burrata has a lactic taste and creamy texture, making it a favorite to many. But can you eat burrata when pregnant? 

According to top cheese experts, you should only serve burrata at room temperature (The best Mozzarella this side of Italy, n.d). However, let’s clear the air about whether you can eat burrata while pregnant. 

Can You Eat Burrata Cheese When Pregnant?

It’s not just that burrata is safer when pasteurized that raises the question of whether it is safe to consume while pregnant. 

Notably, burrata, brie, and queso asadero (white, flat Mexican cheese) are similar. According to certified obstetrician-gynecologists, burrata cheese is safe to eat while pregnant if made with pasteurized ingredients (St-Esprit, 2022). 

If you’re thinking about buying burrata, make sure to ask particular questions. Can the vendor ensure the cheese was “ultra heat-treated” or manufactured from pasteurized milk? If not, please avoid it if possible.

There is no excuse not to cut into this creamy delicacy if the cheese is properly marked and refrigerated below 40°F (4.44°C). So, serve it over a bed of thoroughly cleaned greens, crusty Italian bread, or fresh fruits.

Is Burrata Pasteurized?

Yes, most grocery stores sell pasteurized burrata cheese varieties. Notably, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires pasteurization for burrata produced in the US.

So, milk should always heat to at least 161.06°F (71.7 °C) for 15 seconds or 145.04°F (62.8 °C) for 30 minutes during pasteurization. This requirement seeks to break down potentially harmful germs like listeria, which can cause listeriosis. Although listeriosis is uncommon, pregnant women and fetuses are particularly vulnerable.

How to Know if Burrata is Pasteurized

Notably, the cheese’s label will clarify that it is from pasteurized milk. However, small-scale cheese producers might not include as much label information. However, you can inquire from them to find out if they used pasteurized milk during its production.

Can Pregnant Women Eat Cooked Burrata?

Notably, cooked burrata is safe during pregnancy because heating destroys most bacteria, including listeria. However, cooking burrata will reduce its flavor. But this is a matter of taste. Nevertheless, it would be best to heat any cheese until it is scalding hot to ensure it is secure.

Is Smoked Burrata Safe to Consume During Pregnancy?

If the burrata maker used pasteurized milk and cream to make the cheese, pregnant women can eat it smoked. Notably, pasteurized components matter for the cheese to be safe, as the smoking procedure does not thoroughly cook the cheese and does not affect its safety.

Pregnancy-Safe Burrata Brands From Around the World

Here is a list of some well-known brands that produce their fresh burrata using pasteurized milk and cream to assist you in making your best selection: 

USA and Canada Brands

• Belgiogioso
• Calabro
• Deca & Otto
• Di Stefano
• Gioia
• Lioni
• Vanata

UK Brands

• Asda Extra Special Burrata Mozzarella
• Deliziosa 
• Galbani 
• Morrison’s The Best Burrata
• Waitrose No.1 Burrata Pugliese

Australian Brands

• La Casa Del Formaggio
• La Stella
• Paesanella 

Our Top Burrata Buying Tips When Pregnant

To ensure that burrata is safe for your pregnancy, always observe the following tips:

1. You should consume fresh burrata within 48 hours. If the burrata is just from the processor, try to eat it as soon as possible.
2. Always consume commercially produced or store-bought burrata before the “use by” date.
3. Check for protective packaging on any fresh or artisan burrata you purchase from a deli to avoid cross-contamination.
4. Burrata doesn’t ship very well unless you hire a specialized courier with fridge-stable packing. Contrary to many other gourmet foods, getting fresh burrata from a neighborhood shop or deli is preferable to ordering it online. This move is necessary because the shipping process will subject it to temperatures that will be detrimental to its quality.

Final Words

What should you do if you consume raw burrata accidentally? It’s fair that this would raise concerns if you’ve ever eaten burrata (for instance, in a restaurant) without knowing whether it is from pasteurized ingredients. 

However, the likelihood of eating pasteurized soft cheese is very high, especially if you live outside of Europe, where it is challenging to find (or import) unpasteurized varieties. 

Also, the chances of eating unpasteurized burrata are still relatively slim whether you’re visiting Italy for vacation or eating fresh burrata anywhere in Europe. This is because most European burrata manufacturers don’t use raw milk to make it.

However, the best action is to watch for any symptoms of a foodborne illness that are out of the ordinary for you. To be safe, tell a health practitioner immediately that you feel ill, have an upset stomach, are sick, have diarrhea, and believe you may have consumed unpasteurized burrata.

That said, it is time to shop for your best brand of burrata and savor every bite you take!

References:

The best Mozzarella this side of Italy. (n.d.). Puglia. https://www.puglia.co.za/product-list.html

St-Esprit, M. (2022, June 20). This is one soft cheese you can probably eat during pregnancy. Romper. https://www.romper.com/pregnancy/burrata-cheese-pregnancy