Pregnancy is a delicate period in a woman’s life, during which dietary considerations become crucial. Expectant mothers often have concerns about the safety of certain foods, such as cheese, and Parmigiano Reggiano, a beloved Italian cheese, is no exception. In this blog post, we will explore the potential risks associated with consuming Parmigiano Reggiano during pregnancy.
SEE ALSO: What cheeses are safe to eat during pregnancy? →
Why are some foods unsafe during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the body undergoes significant changes to support the growth and development of the baby. Hormonal shifts, immune system alterations and changes in digestion can make pregnant women more susceptible to certain foodborne illnesses.
Additionally, some foods may contain harmful bacteria, toxins, or other substances that could pose a risk to both the mother and the developing foetus.
One such example is Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium can survive and grow on certain high-risk foods. In humans, it can cause an infection called Listeriosis and the range of symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhoea. In rare cases, it can cause blood poisoning (septicaemia) and inflammation of the outside of the brain (meningitis).
The symptoms tend to be mild in most affected people but can be more severe and, sometimes, life-threatening in the elderly, pregnant women (and their unborn babies) and people with a weak immune system.
What foods are high risk during pregnancy?
Some examples of high risk foods include raw seafood and fish, cold meats, pre-packaged fruit and, yes, some cheeses. You can read more about which cheeses to avoid during pregnancy here.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano?
Parmigiano Reggiano, often hailed as the “King of Cheeses,” is a world-renowned Italian cheese with a rich history and distinct characteristics. Made from unpasteurised cow’s milk, Parmigiano Reggiano is produced exclusively in the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna to the west of the Reno River, and Mantua to the east of the Po River.
It is crafted using traditional methods that have remained virtually unchanged for centuries.
This hard, granular cheese undergoes a meticulous ageing process, typically lasting for a minimum of 12 months and often up to 36 months or more. The lengthy maturation contributes to its unique flavour profile, characterised by a rich, nutty taste and a granular texture.
You can learn more about this iconic Italian cheese in our dedicated post here.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano safe to eat when you’re pregnant
Good news for cheese lovers: Parmigiano Reggiano is generally considered safe to eat during pregnancy.
Due to its traditional production methods and strict regulations, Parmigiano Reggiano has a low risk of contamination compared to soft, unpasteurised cheeses.
In addition to this, the cheese undergoes a long ageing process, which further minimises the risk of bacterial contamination.
If you are unsure of what cheeses you can eat during pregnancy, please consult your doctor.
How about the rind?
Even though the risk of infection is low, Listeria contamination can also happen during the handling of cheese. As such, it would be advisable to avoid eating the rind of Parmigiano Reggiano during those nine months. I’m sure you don’t want to break your teeth on this hard rind anyway!
Cooking with Parmigiano Reggiano
This is where it gets really interesting. Thoroughly cooking any type of cheese until steaming hot will actually destroy any harmful pathogens that may be present in it. Indeed, most harmful bacteria like Listeria do not survive temperatures above 75°C/165°F.
In the case of Parmigiano Reggiano, you can safely eat it at room temperature. But, of course, you can also cook it in delicious dishes such as baked pasta, Macaroni & Cheese and a quiche. Moreover, you can add the rind to any pasta sauce or broth to additional flavour.
Conclusion: Safe for mum and safe for baby
When it comes to consuming Parmigiano Reggiano during pregnancy, the good news is that this cheese is generally safe to include in your diet. With its low risk of contamination and traditional production methods, Parmigiano Reggiano poses minimal concerns for expectant mothers.
However, it is crucial to ensure that the cheese is handled and stored properly. And to exercise proper food hygiene practices. As always, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for personalised advice regarding your dietary choices during pregnancy.
References
Safety in Pregnancy
All the advice relating to what cheeses you can eat during pregnancy in this article is based on the recommendations by health authorities in Australia, the UK and the USA. If you are unsure about what you can or cannot eat, please consult your doctor.
Australia – FSANZ, United Kingdom – NHS and United Sates of America – FDA
Nutritional content
The nutritional content of cheese in our table comes from the USDA Food Data Central Repository and cheese manufacturers. We realise that there can be variations between different brands and producers. Hence, the numbers we have used are averages.
Fat
Our fat RDI data comes from Cleveland Clinic’s Healthy Fat Intake resource.
Type of fat in cheese as per Harvard T.H. Chan’s The Nutrition Source.
Protein
Our protein RDI data comes from Harvard Medical School’s Harvard Health Publishing.
Sabine is the creative force behind Cheese Scientist. She is a sustainable living advocate, a climate change protestor and is pro-choice. And, most relevantly, she is also a lactose intolerant cheese lover.
