Andy Montoya
American cheese is meant to have a longer shelf life than other cheeses. However, it can still go bad. Bacterial growth is the main reason for this, but it can also be caused by quality control issues during manufacturing or improper storage. To determine whether American cheese has gone bad, you can use your senses, especially sight, smell, and taste. If a mild cheese like American cheese smells strong, like blue cheese or Limburger, it has likely gone bad. Another indicator of spoilage is a slimy texture. Mold can sometimes grow on American cheese, and this is a clear sign that it's time to throw it out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell | A mild cheese like American cheese should be thrown away if it smells strong like blue cheese or Limburger. |
| Appearance | If there are specks of blue or green surface mold on hard cheese, cut at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below those spots. If you have a healthy immune system, consuming mold accidentally is fine, but monitor for food poisoning symptoms. White specks or crystallized patches on aged hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and gouda are normal and safe to eat. |
| Storage | An unopened package of cheese can last in the refrigerator for a long time, especially if vacuum-sealed. Vacuum-sealed cheese will have a best-by date, which is not an expiration date. After opening, soft cheeses can be stored in the fridge for at least 7 days, and hard cheeses for 3-4 weeks. Hard cheeses don't need to be refrigerated but will last longer if they are. |
| Expiry | Kraft cheese slices may not have an expiry date, but they will last indefinitely if there is no mold and they haven't dried out or turned green. |
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What You'll Learn
Smell: if it smells like ammonia or blue cheese, it's bad
Smell is one of the best ways to determine whether your cheese is safe to eat. If a mild cheese like American cheese gives off a strong smell, it is likely bad. This strong smell could be similar to ammonia or blue cheese.
American cheese is a processed cheese, and these processed cheese slices do not freeze well. However, they can be refrigerated for 2 to 3 weeks after purchase. If you have not opened the package, you can keep it in its original store packaging. To extend its shelf life, you can freeze it before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has passed.
American cheese is a mild cheese, and if it smells like blue cheese, it is time to throw it away. Blue cheese is a type of cheese that is naturally pungent, and it will have a strong ammonia smell when it goes bad. This smell is similar to cat urine. If you are familiar with the smell of your favourite cheese, and the cheese you have smells like a much more concentrated version, it is probably no longer safe to eat.
If you do feel ill after eating a piece of cheese that might be spoiled, it is best to call your healthcare provider.
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Appearance: check for mould, dark spots, dryness, cracks, etc
When it comes to American cheese, which is a processed cheese, there are several visual cues that can indicate whether it has gone bad. Firstly, it is important to inspect the cheese for any signs of mould. While some moulds on cheese are harmless, others can be toxic and dangerous for consumption. Therefore, if you spot any unusual colours or textures on the cheese, it is best to discard it. This includes any patches of fuzz in different colours or textures, as this is a sign that the cheese has gone bad.
Another visual indicator of spoilage is discolouration. A significant change in the colour of the cheese, such as a hard cheese turning dark or brown, could mean that it has spoiled. This is caused by a complex reaction between reducing sugars and amino acids from the breakdown of protein in the cheese. However, it is important to note that some colour changes, such as white specks or crystallised patches on aged hard cheeses, are normal and safe to eat. These are usually calcium lactate crystals, which form when the lactic acid in cheese combines with calcium.
In addition to mould and discolouration, other visual cues to look out for include dryness, cracks, and a slimy or greasy texture. If the cheese appears to have changed in texture and feels drier or crumbly, it may be a sign that it has gone bad. Soft cheeses, such as American cheese, tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses due to their higher moisture content and shorter shelf life. Therefore, if you notice any of these visual indicators, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard the cheese.
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Texture: if it's slimy, it's bad
Cheese is a staple food in many households, but it's important to know when it's gone bad. The answer depends on the type of cheese, how it was stored, and what you're seeing or smelling. While cheesemakers are highly trained professionals who work in controlled environments to ensure the quality and safety of their cheeses, your refrigerator is not a cheese cave. Nevertheless, with some proper storage and knowledge, you can safely store your cheeses at home and enjoy them without worrying about falling ill.
One of the signs of spoilage in cheese is a slimy texture. If the cheese has a slimy surface, it has gone bad and should be thrown away. Harder cheeses, like cheddar, Parmesan, or Gouda, will last a little longer than softer cheeses because they have a lower moisture content, making them less prone to bacterial growth. However, if they've been sitting out of the refrigerator for more than four hours, you should look for signs of spoilage, including a slimy surface.
Soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses. After opening, soft cheeses can be safely stored in the fridge for at least 7 days, while hard cheeses can last for 3-4 weeks. If you see any mold on soft cheeses, toss them. On hard cheeses, cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the moldy spots. However, if the hard cheese has developed a slimy surface, it's best to discard it.
Processed cheese slices, such as American cheese, do not freeze well. They can be refrigerated for 2 to 3 weeks after opening, and the original deli packaging can be used to maximize shelf life. If you notice any sliminess on American cheese slices, it's a sign that they have gone bad and should be discarded. While American cheese is not known to have an expiry date, it can still go bad due to quality control issues during manufacturing or improper storage. Always inspect your cheese to ensure it's safe to eat, regardless of the best-by date.
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Storage: refrigeration is key; freezing is an option
While American cheese can withstand longer periods without refrigeration, refrigeration is still key to keeping it fresh and safe to eat. The U.S. Department of Health recommends that perishable food, including soft cheeses, should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar and parmesan, can last longer at room temperature, but refrigeration will help them keep for longer.
To keep cheese fresh, wrap it tightly in wax paper, parchment paper, or cheese paper, then place it in a plastic bag or airtight container. This prevents the cheese from drying out while allowing it to breathe. Store it in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator, where the temperature is colder and more stable with consistent humidity. The ideal temperature for a refrigerator is below 40°F (4°C).
If you need to store cheese for longer periods, freezing is an option. Hard, aged cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and parmesan can be frozen, as can soft cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, and cream cheese. However, processed cheese slices, such as American cheese, and soft cheeses like ricotta, do not freeze well and may become crumbly and lose some of their flavor. Frozen cheese is best suited for cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.
To freeze cheese, wrap it in wax, parchment, or cheese paper, then place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. Label the package with the date, and use within six months. Frozen cheese can be thawed in the refrigerator and will keep for an additional 3 to 4 days.
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Expiry: check the best-by date, not the expiration date
When it comes to determining the freshness of American cheese, it's important to understand the difference between the best-by date and the expiration date. The best-by date, often found on vacuum-sealed or unopened packages of cheese, indicates the period during which the cheese will be at its optimal quality. This date is determined by the cheesemaker, taking into account the controlled conditions in which the cheese was crafted. However, it's important to note that the cheese may still be safe to consume even after this date, as long as it has been stored properly.
On the other hand, the expiration date is typically not a concern with American cheese, especially if it is unopened and vacuum-sealed. This is because American cheese, which includes processed cheese slices, tends to have a very long shelf life due to its highly processed nature. In fact, some sources indicate that Kraft American cheese slices may not even have an expiration date listed, implying that they can be consumed indefinitely as long as they show no signs of spoilage, such as mould or discolouration.
It's worth noting that the freshness of American cheese can also depend on the type of cheese. Soft cheeses, like ricotta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese, tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses. Therefore, if you're concerned about the freshness of a soft variety of American cheese, it's best to inspect it for any signs of spoilage, such as an unusual smell or texture changes. Hard cheeses, on the other hand, can last a little longer due to their lower moisture content, which makes them less susceptible to bacterial growth.
To ensure the longevity of your American cheese, proper storage is crucial. Once opened, soft American cheeses should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 7 days, while hard varieties can last for 3-4 weeks. Additionally, wrapping the cheese in porous materials like wax or parchment paper can help maintain its moisture and freshness.
In summary, when it comes to American cheese, the best-by date is a more reliable indicator of freshness than the expiration date. By inspecting the cheese for any signs of spoilage and practising proper storage methods, you can ensure that your American cheese remains safe and enjoyable to consume.
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Frequently asked questions
Sliced American cheese can be refrigerated for 2 to 3 weeks. To extend its shelf life, you can freeze it. However, freezing will make the cheese grainy and it won't melt as easily.
The best way to tell if American cheese is bad is by using your senses, especially sight, smell, and touch. If the cheese has a slimy texture, a sour or strong odour, or specks of blue or green surface mould, it has gone bad.
Eating expired cheese can lead to food poisoning as it could expose you to dangerous bacteria. If you do feel ill after eating a piece of cheese that might be spoiled, it's best to call your healthcare provider.
