Is it safe to eat soft cheeses during pregnancy?

It is safe for pregnant women to eat soft cheese, as long as its made from pasteurized milk, says the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA previously warned against consumption of any soft cheese to reduce risk of Listeria poisoning.

Listeria is often present in unpastuerized soft cheese such as Brie, Camembert and queso fresco, as well as hot dogs and deli meats, says WebMD. The bacteria is potentially deadly for unborn babies, so pregnant women are advised to read food labels and avoid products made from raw milk or unpasteurized milk. Elderly people and people with compromised immune systems are advised to do the same.