Pregnancy is a time of joy and anticipation, but it also comes with a long list of dos and don’ts, especially when it comes to food. If you’re a cheese lover, you might be wondering which types are safe to enjoy during these nine months. One cheese that often comes up is Oaxaca cheese, a semi-soft, white cheese from Mexico. So, is it safe for expectant mothers? Let’s delve into the details.
Understanding Oaxaca Cheese
Oaxaca cheese, also known as quesillo, is a stringy cheese that originates from Oaxaca, Mexico. Its unique texture comes from a process called pasta filata, where the cheese curds are heated and stretched, similar to mozzarella. Traditionally, Oaxaca cheese was made with raw cow’s milk in the warm climate of Mexico, which allowed for considerable acid development before the addition of rennet. This traditional method often resulted in a longer ripening time due to the high acidity levels in the raw milk.
Today, much of the Oaxaca cheese available is made with pasteurized milk. However, the stretching process remains more emphatic than most mozzarella made in Italy. The stretched curd is not folded back on itself but stretched into long flat ribbons that are then chilled in cold water before being wound into large yarn-like balls.
The production process generally involves the following steps:
- Curdling the Milk: Rennet is added to milk to separate the curds and whey.
- Heating and Stretching: The curds are submerged in hot water to soften them, then stretched and kneaded to create the stringy texture.
- Forming the Cheese: The stretched curds are often rolled into a ball resembling a ball of yarn.
Interestingly, commercially available Oaxaca cheese in the US is different from the traditional quesillo made in Mexico. While both use the same stretching technique, the key difference lies in the milk used. Queso Oaxaca is made from pasteurized milk, while traditional quesillo is made from unpasteurized milk. This distinction impacts not only the safety of the cheese during pregnancy but also its flavor profile. Quesillo often has a more complex, grassy, and sometimes tangy flavor due to the unpasteurized milk, while queso Oaxaca tends to have a milder taste similar to mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
For those interested in making Oaxaca cheese at home, it’s possible to achieve similar results to raw milk by using citric acid and buttermilk with pasteurized milk. This allows for a safe and accessible way to enjoy homemade Oaxaca cheese.
Oaxaca cheese has a mild, milky flavor and is often used in quesadillas, empanadas, and other Mexican dishes, where its melty and stringy texture is highly valued.
Cheese and Pregnancy: Safety Concerns
The primary concern with cheese consumption during pregnancy is the risk of listeriosis, a serious infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Pregnant women are about ten times more likely to get listeriosis than the general population. This infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labor, or infection in the newborn.
Listeria is more commonly found in unpasteurized dairy products and soft cheeses with high moisture content. Hard cheeses generally have lower moisture levels, making them less hospitable to bacterial growth. It’s important to note that cheese has a good food safety record compared to other food groups like shellfish, meat, and fresh produce.
Is Pasteurized Oaxaca Cheese Safe?
Most commercially available Oaxaca cheese in the US is made from pasteurized milk. Pasteurization is a heat treatment that kills harmful bacteria, including Listeria. Therefore, pasteurized Oaxaca cheese is generally considered safe to eat during pregnancy.
The FDA pasteurization law in the US further ensures the safety of most commercially packaged cheese by requiring a heat treatment process to eliminate pathogens. This provides an extra layer of reassurance for pregnant women when choosing Oaxaca cheese from reputable sources.
However, it’s crucial to always check the label to confirm that the cheese is indeed pasteurized. If you’re unsure, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid it.
Queso Fresco: A Note of Caution
While pasteurized Oaxaca cheese is widely available, you might encounter unpasteurized versions, especially in specialty stores or Mexican markets. It’s important to exercise caution with similar Mexican cheeses like Queso Fresco. Queso fresco is another popular Mexican cheese, often made with unpasteurized milk. Even when pasteurized, queso fresco has been linked to Listeria outbreaks due to potential contamination during the cheese-making process. Therefore, it’s best to avoid queso fresco during pregnancy, especially if it’s homemade or from a source you’re unsure about.
What About Unpasteurized Oaxaca Cheese?
Unpasteurized Oaxaca cheese, also known as quesillo, may still be found in some specialty stores or Mexican markets. As it hasn’t undergone pasteurization, it carries a higher risk of Listeria contamination. Therefore, it’s best to avoid unpasteurized Oaxaca cheese during pregnancy.
General Cheese Recommendations for Pregnancy
Here are some general guidelines for cheese consumption during pregnancy:
Safe Hard Cheeses:
- Cheddar
- Parmesan
- Swiss
- Gouda
- Edam
- Provolone
It’s worth noting that hard cheeses like cheddar and parmesan are generally safe to eat during pregnancy, even if unpasteurized, due to their low moisture content, which inhibits bacterial growth.
Safe Soft Cheeses:
- Mozzarella
- Cottage cheese
- Cream cheese
- Ricotta
Cheeses to Avoid:
- Soft, mold-ripened cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and blue-veined cheeses unless cooked thoroughly.
- Unpasteurized cheeses, especially soft varieties.
- Cheeses from deli counters unless you can confirm they are pasteurized and have not been cross-contaminated with unpasteurized cheeses.
The CDC also provides specific recommendations for pregnant women regarding various food groups, including:
- Seafood: Avoid raw or undercooked fish and shellfish, including sushi and ceviche. Limit fish high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish.
- Meat and Poultry: Ensure meat and poultry are cooked to safe internal temperatures. Avoid unheated deli meats, cold cuts, and hot dogs.
- Eggs: Avoid raw or undercooked eggs and foods containing them, such as raw cookie dough or homemade eggnog.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Avoid raw sprouts.
Oaxaca Cheese for Babies
While this article focuses on pregnancy, it’s worth mentioning that Oaxaca cheese can be a healthy and delicious food for babies, as long as it’s pasteurized and served safely. Offer it in thin slices or small shreds to minimize choking hazards.
Research on Cheese Consumption During Pregnancy
A study investigated the consumption of various foods, including cheese, during pregnancy and its correlation with maternal characteristics like age, education, and employment. The study found that cheese consumption was not significantly associated with any of these factors. This suggests that cheese, as part of a balanced diet, can be enjoyed by pregnant women from diverse backgrounds.
Consulting Experts
While this article provides general guidelines, it’s essential to remember that individual dietary needs and risk factors can vary. For personalized advice on cheese consumption during pregnancy, consult your doctor or a certified nutritionist. They can provide tailored recommendations based on your specific circumstances and help you make informed choices that prioritize your health and the well-being of your baby.
Conclusion
Overall, Oaxaca cheese is safe to consume during pregnancy if it’s pasteurized. However, it’s crucial to always check the label to confirm pasteurization and avoid unpasteurized versions, especially if you’re unsure of the source. As an expectant mother, you can enjoy Oaxaca cheese as part of a balanced and delicious diet, adding its unique flavor and texture to your favorite dishes. To ensure a safe and delicious cheese experience during your pregnancy, remember to choose pasteurized varieties, follow safe handling practices, and consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
