Bushra Griffith
Blue cheese is a type of cheese that is aged and flavored with certain types of mold. The mold Penicillium is added to it, resulting in a final product spotted or veined with blue, blue-gray, or blue-green mold. The same strain of mold used to make the antibiotic penicillin is also found in many kinds of cheese. This has led to the common misconception that those allergic to penicillin should avoid blue cheese. However, the mold used in blue cheese is typically Penicillium roqueforti, which is different from the mold used to make penicillin, Penicillium chrysogenum. While there is still a risk of an allergic reaction, many people allergic to penicillin can safely consume blue cheese without experiencing any adverse effects. Individual allergies vary, and it is always recommended to consult a medical professional for personalized advice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is blue cheese made with Penicillium mold? | Yes, blue cheese is made with Penicillium roqueforti, Penicillium camemberti, and Penicillium glaucum. |
| Is the mold used in blue cheese the same as the one used to make penicillin? | No, the antibiotic penicillin is derived from a fungus known as Penicillium chrysogenum. |
| Can people allergic to penicillin eat blue cheese? | There are mixed opinions on this. Some people allergic to penicillin have reported being able to eat blue cheese without any issues, while others have reported allergic reactions. |
| What are the symptoms of a penicillin allergy? | Hives, rashes, itching, and — in some cases — anaphylaxis. |
| What should people allergic to penicillin do if they want to try blue cheese? | Proceed with caution and consult an allergist to test for a reaction to Penicillium mold. |
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What You'll Learn
- Blue cheese is made with Penicillium roqueforti, Penicillium camemberti, and Penicillium glaucum, not Penicillium chrysogenum, which is used to make penicillin
- Some people with a penicillin allergy can eat blue cheese without suffering allergic reactions
- It is possible to be allergic to both penicillin and blue cheese
- Blue cheese uses the whole mold, whereas antibiotics use an extract
- Penicillin allergies have been overreported, and it is fairly unlikely that blue cheese will cause a severe allergic reaction
Blue cheese is made with Penicillium roqueforti, Penicillium camemberti, and Penicillium glaucum, not Penicillium chrysogenum, which is used to make penicillin
It is a common misconception that a diagnosis of penicillin allergy means one cannot eat blue cheese. This is because the antibiotic penicillin is derived from a fungus called Penicillium chrysogenum, while blue cheeses are made with Penicillium roqueforti, Penicillium camemberti, and Penicillium glaucum.
The moulds used in blue cheese do not produce penicillin, despite the name. However, it is still possible to be allergic to both. In fact, some people are allergic to the mould and not the medication, and vice versa. Therefore, it is recommended that those with a penicillin allergy proceed with caution if they choose to eat blue cheese. It is possible that they are allergic to penicillium mould as well, in which case eating blue cheese may cause an allergic reaction.
Some people with a penicillin allergy have reported being able to eat blue cheese without any problems. For example, one person with a severe allergy to penicillin has eaten many types of blue cheese with zero reaction. Another person with a penicillin allergy has consumed Brie and Camembert cheeses, which are made with Penicillium camemberti, without any issues.
On the other hand, some people with a penicillin allergy have reported allergic reactions to blue cheese. One person with a penicillin allergy experienced a severe reaction to blue cheese, with their mouth and face swelling up. Another person's wife, who is allergic to penicillin, had an allergic reaction after eating Brie and Stilton.
Therefore, while the moulds used in blue cheese are different from the one used to make penicillin, it is still possible for those with a penicillin allergy to react to blue cheese. It is recommended that individuals with a penicillin allergy proceed with caution and consult their doctor or allergist before consuming blue cheese.
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Some people with a penicillin allergy can eat blue cheese without suffering allergic reactions
It is a common misconception that a diagnosis of penicillin allergy means one cannot eat blue cheese. While it is true that the same strain of mold used to make the antibiotic penicillin is also found in many kinds of cheese, the particular variation is different from those found in most blue cheeses. For example, while the antibiotic is made from Penicillium chrysogenum, blue cheeses are made with Penicillium roqueforti, Penicillium camemberti, and Penicillium glaucum.
It is important to note that allergic reactions to penicillin are often overreported, and some people may have been diagnosed with a penicillin allergy they do not actually have. Additionally, only 20% of people who believe they are allergic to penicillin actually are, according to BBC Science Focus. This means that it is relatively unlikely that eating blue cheese will cause a severe allergic reaction in those with a penicillin allergy.
However, it is still possible to be allergic to both penicillin and blue cheese, and some individuals with a penicillin allergy have reported allergic reactions to certain blue cheeses. The risk of an allergic reaction may be higher if the blue cheese in question uses the chrysogenum strain. Therefore, those with a penicillin allergy should proceed with caution if they choose to consume blue cheese. It is recommended that they consult an allergist to test their reaction to penicillium mold and seek medical advice regarding the safety of consuming blue cheese.
Some people with a penicillin allergy have reported being able to consume certain types of blue cheese without experiencing any adverse reactions. For example, one individual with a severe penicillin allergy stated that they have never had a problem with any blue cheese. Another person with an allergic reaction to Geocillin Rx, a penicillin-type medication, reported not remembering any allergic reaction to blue cheese, although they had not consumed much. These anecdotes suggest that some individuals with a penicillin allergy may be able to tolerate blue cheese without experiencing allergic symptoms.
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It is possible to be allergic to both penicillin and blue cheese
It is a common misconception that a diagnosis of penicillin allergy means that one cannot eat blue cheese. This is because penicillin is a mould, and many types of cheese are aged and flavoured with certain moulds. However, the strain of mould used in most blue cheeses is different from the one used to make the antibiotic penicillin. Penicillin is derived from the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum, while blue cheeses typically use Penicillium roqueforti, although other strains may be used as well, such as Penicillium camemberti and Penicillium glaucum.
While the strains of mould are different, it is still possible to be allergic to both. Some people are allergic to penicillin medication and also react to blue cheese. In these cases, it is likely that the person is allergic to penicillium mould, not just the medication. However, some people who are allergic to penicillin medication do not react to blue cheese, indicating that they are not allergic to the mould.
It is important to understand that allergies are highly individual, and reactions can vary widely. Some people may be able to tolerate small amounts of blue cheese without issue, while others may have a severe reaction to even a small amount. Additionally, it is worth noting that allergic reactions to penicillin may be overreported, and some people may believe they are allergic when they are not.
If you are allergic to penicillin and want to try blue cheese, it is important to proceed with caution. It is recommended that you consult an allergist to test your reaction to penicillium mould. Even if you are allergic to both, you may still be able to enjoy certain types of blue cheese in moderation, as long as you are careful and have any necessary medications on hand, such as antihistamines or an EpiPen.
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Blue cheese uses the whole mold, whereas antibiotics use an extract
It is a common misconception that a diagnosis of penicillin allergy means one cannot eat blue cheese. This is because the same strain of mould used to make the antibiotic penicillin is also present in many kinds of cheese. The antibiotic is derived from a fungus known as Penicillium chrysogenum, while the mould in most blue cheeses is Penicillium roqueforti.
However, it is important to note that blue cheese uses the whole mould, whereas antibiotics use an extract. This means that there is still a risk of an allergic reaction, as some blue cheeses use the chrysogenum strain. In addition, while the moulds are different, they are similar enough molecularly that some people may react to both.
That being said, it is estimated that only 20% of people who believe they are allergic to penicillin actually are. Furthermore, allergic reactions to penicillin are often overreported, with some people mistaking adverse reactions to other antibiotics for a penicillin allergy. Therefore, it seems unlikely that eating blue cheese will cause a severe allergic reaction in most people.
Ultimately, the decision to consume blue cheese if one is allergic to penicillin is a personal one. Some people may be comfortable trying a small amount of blue cheese to see if they react, while others may prefer to avoid it altogether. For those who are concerned, it is recommended to consult an allergist to test for a reaction to Penicillium mould.
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Penicillin allergies have been overreported, and it is fairly unlikely that blue cheese will cause a severe allergic reaction
It is a common misconception that a diagnosis of penicillin allergy means one cannot eat blue cheese. While the relationship between the two is complex, it is not entirely accurate to assume that all penicillin-allergic individuals will experience a reaction to blue cheese. This notion is supported by the fact that penicillin allergies have been overreported, and it is fairly unlikely that blue cheese will cause a severe allergic reaction.
Penicillin is a mold-derived antibiotic discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, widely regarded as a significant milestone in modern pharmaceutical chemistry. However, some individuals exhibit abnormal reactions to penicillin, ranging from hives and rashes to anaphylaxis. This clinical condition is known as a penicillin allergy. As blue cheese is often deliberately flavored with mold, it is understandable that those allergic to penicillin may be cautious about consuming it.
It is important to clarify that the mold used in blue cheese production, such as Penicillium roqueforti, Penicillium camemberti, and Penicillium glaucum, is different from the Penicillium chrysogenum mold used to create the penicillin antibiotic. While there are some variations of blue cheese that use the chrysogenum strain, most do not. This distinction is crucial in understanding the potential risk of an allergic reaction.
Additionally, it is worth noting that allergic reactions are highly individualistic. While some people may be allergic to penicillin medication, they may not react to the mold itself or vice versa. In some cases, individuals with a penicillin allergy may safely consume certain blue cheeses without experiencing severe allergic reactions. However, it is always advisable to exercise caution and consult a medical professional or an allergist before introducing potentially allergenic foods into one's diet.
In summary, while there may be a link between penicillin allergies and blue cheese consumption, it is not a definitive indicator of an allergic reaction. The overreporting of penicillin allergies and the use of different mold strains in blue cheese production contribute to the likelihood that consuming blue cheese will not result in a severe allergic reaction for most penicillin-allergic individuals. Nevertheless, it is essential to approach any dietary changes with caution and seek personalized medical advice when in doubt.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the person. The antibiotic penicillin is derived from a fungus known as Penicillium chrysogenum, while blue cheese is made with Penicillium roqueforti, Penicillium camemberti, and Penicillium glaucum. While the two types of mold are different, some people with a penicillin allergy may still react to the mold in blue cheese.
If you are allergic to penicillin and want to know if you're also allergic to the mold in blue cheese, you can ask your allergist to test you for a reaction to Penicillium mold.
Yes, some people with a penicillin allergy have reported being able to eat Brie and Camembert cheeses without issue, as these cheeses are made with Penicillium camemberti.
