Is it Safe to Eat Frozen Yogurt While Pregnant?

Pregnancy can be a time when women experience a wide range of cravings, and some opt for frozen yogurt to satisfy these urges. However, before indulging, it's crucial to understand the safety of consuming frozen yogurt while pregnant. This article will explore whether commercially made frozen yogurt and custard are safe for pregnant women and the precautions to take when eating frozen yogurt prepared on-site.

Safety of Commercially Made Frozen Yogurt and Custard

Commercially made frozen yogurt and custard—such as that which you might purchase in a pint to take home—are typically safe for pregnant women to consume. Most of these products contain pasteurized ingredients, which include the dairy in the yogurt and the egg in the custard. Pasteurization is a process that heats food to a specific temperature to kill harmful bacteria like Listeria and Salmonella, ensuring food safety.

Safe Brands for Pregnant Women

Several well-known brands have been verified as safe for pregnant women. These include:

Bulla Frozen Yogurt or Custard: A popular Australian brand that pasteurizes all their dairy products as required by Australian law. Thus, their frozen yogurt and custard ranges are safe for pregnant women to consume. Ben Jerry’s: This brand offers frozen yogurt in multiple countries, including the USA and the UK. They use pasteurized dairy, making their frozen yogurt safe for pregnant women to consume. Yasso Frozen Yogurt: Yasso’s frozen yogurt can be found in the freezer section of many supermarkets and uses pasteurized dairy, making their products safe for pregnant women. Edy’s/Dreyer’s: Known by different names in the USA, this brand's frozen yogurt is made with pasteurized milk and cream and is safe for pregnant women. Kemp’s: Similar to other major brands, their frozen yogurt uses pasteurized milk and cream, making it safe for pregnant women.

For other brands, it's advisable to check the label or contact the manufacturer to confirm that the dairy and egg ingredients are pasteurized. This is particularly important in the USA, where pasteurization is widely practiced.

Why Soft-Serve Frozen Yogurt May Not Be Safe in Pregnancy

When purchasing frozen yogurt or custard from a shop, such as that dispensed from a machine, the safety concerns can be different. Soft-serve machines hold pre-mixed ingredients at a low temperature just above freezing, which might lead people to believe that the safety of the ingredients is the most important factor. However, the real concern lies in the machine itself.

One of the primary risks is Listeria, a harmful bacteria that thrives in cool, dark, and moist environments, such as the interior of soft-serve machines. If these machines are not cleaned and sterilized adequately, the risk of consuming contaminated frozen yogurt or custard increases.

The decision to avoid soft-serve options is ultimately up to the pregnant woman. Ensuring retailers properly clean and maintain their machines can significantly reduce the risk of consumption of contaminated products.

Conclusion

In conclusion, commercially made frozen yogurt and custard are generally safe for pregnant women to consume due to pasteurization. However, it is crucial to be cautious when eating on-site prepared frozen yogurt or custard. Ensuring proper cleaning and hygiene practices at the retailer can help mitigate the risk of Listeria infection. By being informed and taking necessary precautions, pregnant women can enjoy their frozen yogurt cravings guilt-free.