Bushra Griffith
Eating bad cheese can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. The time taken for these symptoms to manifest varies, but some people report feeling unwell within 35 minutes to two hours of consumption. Mild symptoms include an upset stomach, diarrhea, and nausea, which can be caused by harmful bacteria in the cheese. More moderate symptoms include fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, which can be caused by toxins produced by bacteria. The most severe symptoms include kidney failure, meningitis, and sepsis, which can be caused by dangerous bacteria such as Listeria or E. coli. Proper handling and storage of cheese are crucial to prevent it from spoiling and causing these adverse effects.
Characteristics and Values of eating bad cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mild effects | Upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea |
| Moderate effects | Fever, abdominal cramps, vomiting |
| Severe effects | Kidney failure, meningitis, sepsis |
| Cause of effects | Harmful bacteria, toxins produced by bacteria, dangerous bacteria like Listeria or E.coli |
| Prevention | Proper handling, storing at specific temperature and humidity level, eating within a reasonable time frame |
| Identification | Strong smell, change in appearance, bitter or sour taste, musty quality |
| Duration | Varies, but can last for several days |
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What You'll Learn
How to tell if cheese is bad
Knowing when cheese has gone bad can be tricky as different types of cheese age and spoil differently. However, there are some tell-tale signs to look out for.
Firstly, use your senses, especially sight, smell, and taste. If you notice any mold, this could be a sign that your cheese has gone bad. For hard cheeses, cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below any moldy spots—it should then be safe to eat. However, soft cheeses should be discarded if mold is present. Some molds are more dangerous than others, and if you accidentally eat mold, you should monitor yourself for symptoms of food poisoning, such as vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea.
If your cheese has an unusual or strong smell, this could be another indicator that it has gone bad. A mild cheese, like Monterey Jack, should not smell like a blue cheese. Cheeses that are naturally pungent, like blue cheese or Camembert, will have a strong ammonia smell, similar to cat urine, when they have gone bad.
Finally, taste can be a good indicator. If your cheese tastes sour or has an unpleasant aftertaste, it has likely gone bad.
It is important to note that an unopened package of cheese can last a long time in the refrigerator, especially if it is vacuum-sealed. However, cheese can also go bad before its expiration date due to quality control issues or improper storage. Therefore, it is always a good idea to inspect your cheese before consuming it.
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What to do if you've eaten bad cheese
If you've eaten bad cheese, the best course of action is to monitor yourself for any symptoms of foodborne illness, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, or fever. The severity of these symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the type and amount of spoiled cheese consumed, as well as individual susceptibility to foodborne illnesses.
It is important to focus on hydration by drinking plenty of fluids, especially if you are experiencing diarrhoea and vomiting, as dehydration is a common concern with food poisoning. Get plenty of rest and avoid eating solid foods until your stomach settles.
If your symptoms are severe, persist for more than a day or two, or if you develop a high fever, it is recommended to seek medical advice and consult a healthcare professional.
To avoid eating bad cheese in the future, it is important to inspect the cheese before consumption. The smell of the cheese is often a good indicator of its quality. If a mild cheese like Monterey Jack or American cheese smells strong like blue cheese or Limburger, it is best to discard it. Naturally pungent cheeses like blue cheese or Camembert will have a strong ammonia smell, similar to cat urine, when they have gone bad. In addition to smell, changes in the appearance of the cheese, such as different colours or textures of fuzz, can indicate that the cheese has spoiled.
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How to store cheese to prevent it from going bad
The best way to prevent cheese from going bad is to eat it. However, if you want to store cheese to prevent it from going bad, there are several ways to do so.
Firstly, it is important to understand how different cheeses are classified. Moisture, temperature, and ripening technique all play a part in how quickly cheese can spoil. Harder cheeses, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano and aged Gouda, have been aged longer than soft cheeses and will last longer. Soft cheeses, like mozzarella, ricotta, and chèvre, are fresher and can spoil quickly if they don't have preservatives. Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, and Gruyere, are placed in molds for months or years. Blue cheeses, like Gorgonzola and Roquefort, are made from mold spores and have a longer shelf life.
The next step is to wrap the cheese. For hard cheeses, wrap them in wax or parchment paper, then add a layer of plastic wrap. For soft cheeses, wrap them in paper and plastic wrap. Make sure the cheese is completely covered. Soft, creamy cheeses like goat cheese or fresh mozzarella should be kept in a resealable container. If you want to avoid plastic, you can rub the cut faces of the cheese with a light coat of olive, canola, or another vegetable oil, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also use specialty cheese paper, which is opaque paper covered with a thin layer of wax or plastic. This allows the cheese to breathe and expel moisture while preventing it from drying out too quickly.
Finally, place the cheese in the fridge. The drawers in the refrigerator have the most consistent temperature and humidity, so the cheese won’t get too cold or dry. Ideally, the refrigerator temperature should be set between 35 and 45 °F (2 and 7 °C). Avoid putting cheese next to foods with strong odors, as this will affect the cheese's flavor.
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What causes cheese to go bad
The causes of cheese going bad can be attributed to various factors, including the type of cheese, storage methods, and environmental conditions. Firstly, different types of cheese have distinct shelf lives. Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, tend to last longer (up to six months), while softer cheeses like cottage cheese and queso blanco spoil more quickly, usually within a few weeks. The moisture content in soft cheeses creates an ideal environment for the growth of cultures and molds, contributing to their shorter shelf life.
Improper storage practices can also cause cheese to spoil prematurely. For instance, storing cheese in an environment that is too humid and hotter than 45 degrees Fahrenheit promotes the growth of harmful bacteria and mold. Additionally, using plastic wrap to cover expensive aged cheeses is not recommended, as it can trap moisture and accelerate spoilage. Instead, cheese paper or wax paper is suggested to allow the cheese to breathe and maintain its flavor.
Furthermore, changes in appearance, smell, and texture can indicate that cheese has gone bad. A significant color change, such as Maillard browning, can signal spoilage, although it may not always impact food safety. Unwanted bacteria growth can cause hard cheeses like Cheddar to crack due to alterations in moisture content. A gritty and slimy rind, an excessively pungent ammonia smell, or the presence of butyric acid (a short-chain fatty acid with a rancid smell) are other indications that cheese has spoiled.
It's important to note that even stinky cheeses have been carefully cultured and aged, so a strong odor can sometimes be expected. However, if the cheese smells like spoiled milk, ammonia, or refrigerator, it's likely gone bad. Taste can also be an indicator, but it is recommended to only taste a small piece to avoid consuming spoiled food. If the cheese tastes sour or has an unpleasant aftertaste, it has likely spoiled.
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The different types of cheese that are less likely to go bad
It is important to note that cheese is preserved milk, which means it can be safely kept without refrigeration for a short period of time. However, it is always a good idea to check the appearance, smell, and taste of the cheese before consuming it. If the cheese has a strong ammonia smell, it is likely to have gone bad.
Aged Cheeses
Aged cheeses, such as aged cheddar, aged gouda, and other similar varieties, are sturdy and can be kept without much protection. They are usually low in moisture and have a long shelf life. Their strong flavour and calorie content make them a popular choice for backpacking and hiking.
Hard Cheeses
Hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, also known as Parmesan or Parm outside of Europe, are dry and can be stored without refrigeration. Pecorino Romano, a sheep's milk cheese, is another example of a hard cheese that does not require immediate refrigeration. These cheeses have a long shelf life due to their low moisture content.
Vacuum-Sealed Cheeses
Vacuum-sealed cheeses can last for quite some time in the refrigerator, even beyond their best-by dates. However, it is important to distinguish best-by dates from expiration dates, as the former only indicates the guaranteed flavour and texture period.
Processed Cheeses
Processed cheeses like canned cheese, squeezable cheese, and sealed loaves or blocks of American cheese do not need refrigeration until they are opened.
High-Salt Cheeses
Cheeses with high salt content, such as Parmesan, are less likely to spoil. While they may dry out over time, this concentrates their flavour even more.
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Frequently asked questions
The time it takes to get sick from eating bad cheese can vary depending on the type of cheese, the extent of spoilage, and individual factors. Some people may experience mild symptoms such as an upset stomach, diarrhea, and nausea within a few hours or days. More severe symptoms, such as fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, may also develop due to bacterial toxins and can last for several days. In rare cases, severe foodborne illnesses, including kidney failure, meningitis, or sepsis, may occur due to dangerous bacteria like Listeria or E. coli. If you experience any concerning symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Bad cheese can exhibit various signs, including mold, discoloration, a strange texture, or an unusual smell. Soft cheeses with mold should be discarded, while harder cheeses may have the mold scraped off safely. Always check the expiration date, and if in doubt, it's best to discard the cheese.
Proper storage is crucial to prevent cheese from spoiling. Cheese should be stored at the appropriate temperature and humidity level. Vacuum-sealed cheeses can last longer in the refrigerator, and it's best to consume them before the best-by date. Harder, aged cheeses tend to have a longer shelf life compared to softer, fresher cheeses. Additionally, periodically checking the appearance, smell, and taste of the cheese can help identify spoilage.
