Can you eat burrata while pregnant?

Burrata is a creamy and delicious Italian cheese that has won the hearts of food lovers the world over. But when you are pregnant, certain questions arise: can you eat burrata while pregnant without risk to your health and that of your baby? In this article, we shall examine the various aspects of eating burrata during pregnancy.

What is burrata?

Originally from the Puglia region of Italy, burrata is a fresh stretched-curd cheese made from cow's milk. Its texture is quite distinctive: the outside consists of a thin layer of mozzarella curd, whilst the inside is filled with a rich, creamy mixture of cream and pieces of stretched curd. Burrata is often served with vegetables, fruit, or simply drizzled with a dash of olive oil.

Artisan versus industrial production

There are two main methods of producing burrata: artisan and industrial. The artisan method involves a traditional, hands-on process in which each stage is carried out by skilled hands. Industrial production, on the other hand, uses machinery and automated processes to produce burrata on a large scale. Whilst the taste quality of the final product may vary, both production methods are subject to strict hygiene and quality control standards.

Burrata during pregnancy: what are the risks?

During pregnancy, expectant mothers need to pay close attention to their diet in order to avoid certain potentially dangerous foods. Among these are soft cheeses and raw-milk cheeses, which may contain harmful bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes.

This bacterium can cause an infection called listeriosis, which can be very serious for the foetus and may even lead to complications such as miscarriage, premature birth, or neurological problems in the newborn.

Pasteurised milk versus raw milk

The difference between a raw-milk cheese and a pasteurised-milk cheese lies in the heat treatment applied to the milk before it is processed. Pasteurisation involves heating the milk to a sufficient temperature to destroy any pathogenic bacteria that may be present, without altering the taste or nutritional qualities of the product. Raw-milk cheeses, meanwhile, are made from unpasteurised milk and thus retain all their organoleptic qualities, but carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination.

Tips for eating burrata during pregnancy

Eating burrata while pregnant is not forbidden, but it is wise to take a few precautions to reduce the risks associated with its consumption.

Here are some tips:

1. Check the label: make sure that the burrata is made from pasteurised milk rather than raw milk. This considerably reduces the risk of contamination by Listeria monocytogenes.
2. Maintain the cold chain: buy your burrata from a shop that adheres to hygiene and fresh-produce storage standards. Then keep it refrigerated until you are ready to eat it.
3. Consume promptly: burrata is a fresh cheese with a limited shelf life. It is recommended that you consume it within 24 hours of opening the packaging.
4. Avoid home-made preparations: if you are invited to a meal where artisan or home-made burrata is being served, it may be wise to decline, as you cannot verify the quality of the milk used or the conditions in which it was made.

By following these tips, you should be able to enjoy burrata during pregnancy without worrying about your health or your baby's. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor or midwife for personalised recommendations based on your situation and medical history.