Winter is the ideal season to enjoy a good raclette. But is it safe to eat during pregnancy?
Winter is a perfect season to enjoy a delicious raclette. This convivial dish is the perfect opportunity to share a warm moment with family or friends, with cheese as the star of the meal. If you are pregnant, a question may have crossed your mind: “Can I eat raclette without harm for my baby? In fact, certain cheeses are not recommended during pregnancy, mainly due to risks linked to listeriosis. Pregnant women should particularly avoid cheeses made from raw milk, such as Camembert, Brie or Coulommiers, because the milk used is not pasteurized. But then, what about raclette cheese?
Good news, it is entirely possible to enjoy raclette during pregnancy. This cheese, although it is based on raw cow’s milk, belongs to the category of cooked pressed cheese and does not present any danger to the fetus. In addition, the principle of raclette is based on heating the cheese until it melts on the potatoes. As Caroline Séguy, dietitian-nutritionist, explains: “Bacteria die when heated above 70°C, even listeria“. So, by ensuring that the cheese is properly heated, and not just melted on the surface, there is no risk.
In addition, be aware that there is pasteurized raclette cheese. Find out more from your cheesemaker or from the product packaging! Finally, if you are a fan of raclettes, you will nevertheless have to deprive yourself of a key ingredient of this meal: smoked salmon and cold meats. Also remember to wash the vegetables for your side dishes as well as your potatoes.
