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Is Unpasteurised milk & dairy safe in pregnancy?
Best avoided
Avoid unpasteurised (raw) milk and its products.
What the evidence says
Unpasteurised (raw) milk, and yoghurt, cream or cheese made from it, should be avoided in pregnancy. If only unpasteurised milk is available, it should be boiled before use.
Why this matters
Unpasteurised milk can contain harmful bacteria including Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli. Pasteurisation destroys these.
Source:NHS guidance on dairy in pregnancy
Last reviewed:April 2026
Please note — This is general guidance based on NHS advice as of April 2026. It is not medical advice. For advice on your specific pregnancy, please speak to your midwife or GP.
Personalised support
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