Soft Cheese
Soft cheeses are dairy foods regulated under 21 CFR 133. The CDC notes that unpasteurized soft cheeses pose an elevated risk of Listeria monocytogenes infection, particularly to pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.
What it is
Soft cheese is a category of cheeses with high moisture content (e.g., brie, camembert, fresh mozzarella, queso fresco), typically not aged extensively.
Whole food; used as a culinary ingredient, spread, or table cheese.
Why it's flagged
- Listeria risk in unpasteurized varieties (CDC)
- milk allergen
- saturated fat content
What regulators actually say
"Do not eat soft cheeses such as feta, queso blanco, queso fresco, brie, Camembert, blue-veined, or panela (queso panela) unless they are made from pasteurized milk."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Standard of identity established for cheese categories under 21 CFR Part 133.
European Union — EFSA
Whole food; dairy is a labeled allergen under EU Regulation 1169/2011.
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