ℹ️Myth BustedCurated
Queso Fresco
Commercially sold pasteurized queso fresco is safe while breastfeeding. The concern — like all soft cheeses — was pregnancy-specific. However, unpasteurized homemade versions carry a real food safety risk to you.
Myth: Queso fresco avoidance was a pregnancy restriction. Commercially pasteurized versions are safe while breastfeeding.
Queso fresco has been associated with Listeria outbreaks, particularly versions made from raw (unpasteurized) milk. During pregnancy, this risk was compounded by Listeria's ability to cross the placenta. After delivery, Listeria doesn't pass through breast milk, so any illness from contaminated cheese would affect only you, not your baby. Commercially packaged queso fresco in US grocery stores is made from pasteurized milk and is safe. Be cautious with homemade or small-batch versions from unknown sources.
Always confirm with your doctor or lactation consultant before making dietary changes while breastfeeding.
Was this helpful?