Can You Eat Pont-l'Évêque When Pregnant?
Reviewed against NHS foods-to-avoid guidance · Updated September 2026
Nutritional data sourced from USDA FoodData Central and Public Health England. Always consult a registered dietitian for personal dietary advice.
NHS guidance says avoid Pont-l'Évêque during pregnancy unless it is thoroughly cooked until piping hot, because of the risk of listeria.
Why is pont-l'évêque a concern in pregnancy?
Pont-l'Évêque is a soft, mould-ripened cheese. Soft cheeses with a white rind are less acidic and contain more moisture than hard cheeses, which makes them an ideal environment for listeria bacteria to grow. Listeriosis in pregnancy is rare, but even a mild infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or serious illness in a newborn baby, which is why the NHS advises avoiding these cheeses while pregnant.
You can also check the calorie content of pont-l'évêque alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
Pont-l'Évêque is safe to eat during pregnancy if it is cooked until piping hot all the way through — for example baked Pont-l'Évêque that is steaming in the middle. Thorough cooking kills listeria bacteria.
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Pregnancy essentials
Pregnancy multivitamin
The NHS advises 400µg of folic acid daily — easiest as one daily tablet.
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More pregnancy essentials
Baby-safe food thermometer
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Common questions
Can I eat pont-l'évêque in the first trimester?
The NHS advice applies to all stages of pregnancy, including the first trimester. Uncooked Pont-l'Évêque should be avoided from the moment you find out you are pregnant right through to birth.
Is a small amount of pont-l'évêque OK during pregnancy?
There is no amount of uncooked Pont-l'Évêque that is considered risk-free during pregnancy. The chance of listeria being present is low, but because the consequences can be serious, the NHS advises avoiding it entirely unless cooked.
I accidentally ate pont-l'évêque while pregnant — what should I do?
Try not to panic — the risk from a single portion is low. Most people who eat Pont-l'Évêque while pregnant will be absolutely fine. Watch for flu-like symptoms such as a high temperature, aches or chills over the next few weeks, and speak to your midwife or GP if you feel unwell or are worried.
Is cooked pont-l'évêque safe in pregnancy?
Yes — thoroughly cooked Pont-l'Évêque is safe during pregnancy. It must be piping hot all the way through, not just melted. Baked Pont-l'Évêque, or Pont-l'Évêque cooked until steaming on a pizza or in a tart, is fine.
Related answers
Primary source: NHS foods-to-avoid guidance.
The information on 247foodcheck.com is compiled from official public guidance (NHS, Food Standards Agency, USDA/FDA FoodKeeper) and is provided for general information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace guidance from your midwife, GP, health visitor or other qualified professional. When in doubt, throw it out — and if you feel unwell after eating something, contact NHS 111 or your doctor.