Patrick Oconnell
Whether it's shredded, sliced, or in a block, cheese is a beloved food item that many people enjoy. However, discovering mold on cheese can be frustrating and raise questions about food safety. While some types of cheese are made with edible mold, such as blue cheese, Brie, and Camembert, finding mold on shredded cheese can be concerning. Soft cheeses, including shredded varieties, are more porous and susceptible to mold growth. So, what should you do if you spot mold on your shredded cheese? Is it safe to consume? These are the questions we will be addressing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to do when you find mold on shredded cheese | Throw away the cheese at the first sight of mold. |
| Reasons for mold on shredded cheese | The fridge temperature might be too low or too high. |
| The cheese might have been contaminated by other food items. | |
| The cheese might not have been stored properly. | |
| The cheese might be past its expiration date. | |
| The cheese might have been exposed to mold spores in the environment. | |
| How to prevent mold on shredded cheese | Store shredded cheese in the freezer. |
| Vacuum-seal shredded cheese in reusable bags. | |
| Wrap shredded cheese in butcher paper or cheesecloth. | |
| Buy smaller packages of shredded cheese or buy block cheese and grate it yourself as needed | |
| Types of mold on cheese | Rhizopus Stolonifer (common bread mold) |
| Aspergillus niger (dark black-gray mold) | |
| Trichoderma | |
| Safety of eating moldy cheese | Most mold on cheese is not harmful but may compromise the taste. |
| Some types of cheese, such as blue cheese, Brie, and Camembert, are made with edible mold and are safe to eat. | |
| Fresh cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, and queso fresco should be consumed soon after they are made to avoid mold. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Mouldy shredded cheese is unsafe to eat
It is important to note that mould spores are everywhere, and once a bag of shredded cheese is opened, it is exposed to these spores. While it may be tempting to keep the cheese past its prime, it is best to discard it. Mould can start to grow within a couple of weeks of opening, even if the cheese is still within its expiration date.
Additionally, the temperature of your fridge can impact the growth of mould. If your fridge is not cold enough, it can create an ideal environment for mould to thrive. Therefore, it is recommended to check the temperature of your fridge and ensure it is set correctly.
While some types of mould on cheese, such as those found in blue cheese, Brie, and Camembert, are safe to consume, it is best to err on the side of caution with shredded cheese. The presence of mould can alter the taste and texture of the cheese, compromising its quality.
In conclusion, mouldy shredded cheese should not be consumed. It is important to practise food safety and avoid the potential risks associated with consuming mouldy food. It is better to discard the cheese and prevent any negative health consequences.
Brie Cheese: Why Does It Smell So Bad?
You may want to see also
Some cheeses can be salvaged by cutting off mouldy parts
Mould on shredded cheese can be a common problem, and it can be tempting to try to salvage it by cutting off the mouldy parts. While this can be an effective solution for some harder and semi-soft cheeses, it is not recommended for shredded cheese.
Soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, and shredded or crumbled varieties, are much more porous than firmer cheeses. This means that mould can spread more easily throughout the cheese, even if it is not visible on the surface. Therefore, it is generally recommended to discard shredded cheese at the first sign of mould to prevent consuming any harmful bacteria that may be present.
However, it is important to note that not all moulds are dangerous. Some types of cheese, such as blue cheese, Brie, and Camembert, are made with specific types of mould that are safe to consume. These cheeses are created through a process where mould, bacteria, and other microorganisms break down proteins and sugars in milk, resulting in their distinct flavours and textures. Nevertheless, when it comes to shredded cheese, it is always safer to err on the side of caution and discard any mouldy portions.
To prevent mould from forming on shredded cheese, it is essential to store it properly. This includes maintaining the correct temperature in your refrigerator and ensuring that your hands and utensils are clean when handling the cheese to prevent the transfer of mould spores. Additionally, buying smaller packages of shredded cheese or purchasing block cheese and shredding it yourself can help reduce the risk of mould growth.
In summary, while it may be tempting to cut off the mouldy parts of shredded cheese, it is generally not recommended due to the porous nature of soft cheeses. Proper storage and handling practices can help prevent mould growth and ensure the safety and quality of shredded cheese.
Goat Cheese and Dogs: A Healthy Treat or Not?
You may want to see also
Mould can be prevented by storing cheese in the freezer
Mouldy cheese is a common problem, especially with soft cheeses such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, and shredded cheese. The porous nature of soft cheeses means that they are more susceptible to the spread of mould. While some harder cheeses, like Camembert, Swiss, and cheddar, can be salvaged by cutting around the mouldy spot, mouldy soft cheeses should be discarded.
To prevent mould from growing on shredded cheese, it is recommended to store it in the freezer. Freezing shredded cheese can prolong its lifespan and prevent mould from developing. While freezing may affect the texture of the cheese, making it less suitable for sprinkling, it will still be acceptable for melting applications.
One effective method to store shredded cheese in the freezer is to vacuum-seal it in reusable bags. This technique helps to maintain freshness while keeping the cheese protected from mould. Another option is to wrap the cheese in butcher paper or cheesecloth before placing it in the freezer.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that your refrigerator temperature is set correctly. Cheese should be stored between 34°F and 45°F (approximately 1°C to 7°C) to prevent mould growth. Keeping your refrigerator below 40°F is crucial for food safety.
By storing shredded cheese in the freezer and maintaining proper refrigerator temperatures, you can effectively prevent mould from developing and enjoy your cheese for a longer period.
Cheese and Acid Reflux: A Bad Combination?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Mould can be caused by improper fridge temperature
Mould on shredded cheese can be caused by a variety of factors, one of which is improper fridge temperature. Cheese is a food that can be susceptible to mould growth due to its moisture content, the presence of mould spores, and the type of cheese.
Mould is a type of fungus that thrives in warm and moist environments. When the fridge temperature is too high, it creates an ideal environment for mould to grow on shredded cheese. This is because higher temperatures can cause the cheese to become more moist, providing the perfect conditions for mould spores to settle and grow.
To prevent mould growth on shredded cheese, it is important to maintain the optimal fridge temperature. The ideal temperature range for storing cheese is between 35°F and 40°F (1.6°C to 4.4°C). At these temperatures, the cheese will remain cool enough to inhibit mould growth while also preserving its quality and flavour.
In addition to maintaining the proper fridge temperature, there are other measures that can be taken to prevent mould on shredded cheese. Firstly, it is recommended to purchase smaller packages of shredded cheese or buy block cheese and shred it yourself as needed. This reduces the exposure of the cheese to the air, decreasing the chances of mould growth. Secondly, proper storage methods are crucial. Cheese should be wrapped in breathable materials such as wax paper or cheese paper, which help maintain a balanced moisture level and prevent excessive moisture buildup.
By following these guidelines and ensuring your fridge is maintained at the proper temperature, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of mould growth on shredded cheese.
Cheese and Bodybuilding: Friend or Foe?
You may want to see also
Mould can be caused by residual food juices on hands
While it may be tempting to simply cut off the mouldy parts of the cheese and consume the rest, this may not always be safe. Soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, and ricotta, as well as shredded, crumbled, or sliced cheeses, are more porous and can harbour the spreading of mould. Therefore, it is recommended to discard the entire batch of cheese if mould is spotted.
To prevent mould from forming on shredded cheese, it is advisable to store it properly. This includes storing it in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to minimise exposure to air and moisture. Additionally, maintaining a consistent temperature in your refrigerator is crucial, as too low or too high temperatures can promote mould growth.
It is worth noting that some types of cheese, such as blue cheese, Brie, and Camembert, are made with specific types of mould that are safe to consume. However, the mould that grows on shredded cheese is typically not the same as the mould intentionally used in cheesemaking. Therefore, it is generally recommended to discard shredded cheese if mould is present.
In summary, mould on shredded cheese can be caused by various factors, including residual food juices on hands, improper storage, and temperature fluctuations. To prevent mould growth, it is important to maintain good hygiene practices, store cheese properly, and regularly monitor the temperature of your refrigerator. If mould is spotted, it is best to discard the cheese to avoid potential health risks.
Cheese Crackers: Do They Go Bad?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, it is not safe to eat moldy shredded cheese. According to registered dietitian Katherine Zeratsky, all shredded, crumbled, and sliced cheeses should be thrown out if they are moldy.
The mold on shredded cheese often grows alongside other harmful bacteria like salmonella, listeria, and E. coli.
Unopened bags of shredded cheese may stay fresh for up to two weeks beyond their use-by dates. Once opened, shredded cheese will only last about three to five days before mold starts to appear.
To prevent shredded cheese from getting moldy, it is important to store it properly. Wrap the cheese tightly and store it in a consistent temperature and humidity environment, such as a crisper drawer or a dedicated wine fridge.
While it is not recommended to consume moldy shredded cheese, it is unlikely to cause serious harm. Your stomach acid is powerful enough to kill most mold spores. However, if you experience any negative symptoms or are concerned, consult a medical professional.
