Patrick Oconnell
Blue cheese is a flavoursome fermented cheese with blue veins of mould running through it. It is made by mixing Penicillium roqueforti mould spores with milk. While blue cheese is generally safe to consume, it can cause digestive issues in some people. These issues can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain. Some people also have allergies to the mould in blue cheese, which can cause inflammation in the eyes, throat, sinuses, gastrointestinal system, and skin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of Gas | Yes, blue cheese dressing can cause gas. It is made from milk and contains mold, which can cause an allergic reaction in some people, leading to digestive issues. |
| Allergens | Milk and mold are the main allergens in blue cheese dressing. |
| Symptoms | Symptoms of an allergic reaction to blue cheese can include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, cramps, chills, headache, skin rashes, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. |
| Onset of Symptoms | Symptoms of an allergic reaction to blue cheese typically appear within a few hours of consumption, with most symptoms appearing within 6-24 hours. |
| Duration of Symptoms | The duration of symptoms can vary, lasting from several hours to several days. |
| Contamination | Blue cheese can be contaminated with bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus, leading to food poisoning. |
| Prevention | To prevent spoilage, blue cheese should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within several weeks. |
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What You'll Learn
Food poisoning from blue cheese dressing
In some cases, food poisoning from blue cheese dressing may be attributed to the mold present in blue cheese. While the specific types of mold used in blue cheese production, such as Penicillium, are generally safe for human consumption, some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to these molds. These allergies can result in digestive issues, including vomiting, diarrhea, and an upset stomach. It is important to note that the mold in blue cheese is not the cause of food poisoning in most cases, as these molds cannot produce toxins that are harmful to humans, especially when the cheese is fresh and properly handled.
Additionally, cross-contamination and improper food handling practices can also contribute to food poisoning from blue cheese dressing. For example, if utensils or containers used for the dressing come into contact with raw or contaminated ingredients, bacteria can be transferred, leading to foodborne illnesses. This is a concern, especially in salad bars or restaurants where various ingredients are handled and served together.
To minimize the risk of food poisoning from blue cheese dressing, it is essential to practice safe food handling. This includes maintaining proper refrigeration, ensuring the cheese is consumed within its recommended shelf life, and practicing good hygiene when preparing and serving food. Additionally, for individuals with known mold allergies or sensitivities, it is advisable to avoid blue cheese or consume it in moderation to prevent adverse reactions.
If you experience symptoms of food poisoning after consuming blue cheese dressing, it is important to seek medical advice and report the incident to the relevant food safety authorities. This helps identify potential sources of contamination and prevents others from experiencing similar issues.
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Allergies to mould in blue cheese
Blue cheese is made using a type of mould called Penicillium, which is responsible for its distinct taste, smell, and appearance. While most types of mould are unsafe for human consumption, the Penicillium mould used in blue cheese is generally considered safe to eat. However, some people may have allergies to the mould in blue cheese, which can range from mild to severe reactions.
Mould is responsible for the speckles within blue cheese and its characteristic saltiness and sharpness. The mould used in blue cheese, Penicillium, is a common allergen, and in the United Kingdom alone, 2.7 million people report having a penicillin allergy. However, this is often misdiagnosed, as in most cases, it is not a true allergy. For those with a genuine allergy to penicillin, consuming blue cheese may cause an allergic reaction.
The symptoms of a mild allergy to mould in blue cheese can include digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and an upset stomach. More severe reactions can result in anaphylaxis, which can cause swelling, the closing of the throat, and other life-threatening symptoms. It is important to note that mould allergies typically occur due to mould inhalation rather than ingestion, and the digestive process destroys any active mould spores.
Additionally, blue cheese can spoil if not stored properly, and consuming spoiled blue cheese can lead to food poisoning and exposure to harmful mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain types of mould that can cause short-term and long-term health issues, including digestive distress and a weakened immune system. Therefore, it is essential to practice proper food safety and store blue cheese tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for no more than 3-4 weeks.
In summary, while blue cheese is made with mould, the specific type used, Penicillium, is generally safe for human consumption. However, individuals with mould allergies or penicillin allergies may need to exercise caution when consuming blue cheese. Proper storage and food safety practices are crucial to prevent spoilage and the growth of harmful moulds that can cause food poisoning and exposure to mycotoxins.
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Allergies to milk in blue cheese
Blue cheese contains two highly allergenic substances: milk and mould. Milk is one of the most common food allergies in children and adults. If you have a known milk allergy, you need to avoid all dairy products, including blue cheese, as consuming even a small amount of milk can cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms of a milk allergy include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. These symptoms will usually appear within minutes of ingesting blue cheese.
Mould allergies are also common, and they are often caused by airborne spores during spring, summer, and fall. Inhaled mould spores can cause inflammation in the eyes, throat, and sinuses, while ingested mould can cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal system and the skin. Some types of mould that are generally safe for human consumption include Geotrichum and Penicillium, which are commonly found in the rind of cheeses or in the blue veins that run through the paste. However, it is important to note that bad mould can grow on poorly kept cheese.
If you experience an allergic reaction after consuming blue cheese, it is important to seek medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can vary from digestive issues such as nausea and vomiting to more severe reactions such as anaphylaxis, which includes swelling and the closing of the throat. In some cases, an allergic reaction to blue cheese may be mistaken for food poisoning, as contaminated blue cheese can cause similar symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhoea. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the source of the illness and seek appropriate treatment.
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Blue cheese's high levels of calcium, vitamins and minerals
Blue cheese is a very nutritious food, offering high levels of calcium, vitamins, and minerals. It is produced by adding bacteria or acid to the milk of various animals and then aging or processing the solid parts of the milk. Blue cheese gets its distinctive colour from mold extracts such as Penicillium roqueforti, which is added during the cheesemaking process.
The calcium content of blue cheese is particularly noteworthy. A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of blue cheese made with whole milk provides 150 mg of calcium, which is 15% of the recommended daily value for calcium. Calcium is essential for optimal bone health, and regular consumption of calcium-rich foods like blue cheese can help protect bone health and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. Additionally, the calcium in blue cheese may be linked to anti-obesity mechanisms that help manage levels of visceral fat around the abdomen and maintain gut health.
Blue cheese also contains a compound called spermidine, which has been linked to potential anti-aging properties and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The fat in blue cheese and other dairy products may also have a neutral or positive effect on cardiovascular health, contributing to what experts refer to as the "French paradox." This term describes the phenomenon where people in France have lower rates of cardiovascular disease despite consuming higher amounts of saturated fat.
In addition to its high calcium content, blue cheese also provides protein and beneficial bacteria from fermentation. It can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, including pizzas, burgers, salads, and omelets. However, it's important to remember that blue cheese is also high in sodium, so those on a low-sodium diet should consume it in moderation.
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Blue cheese's high levels of saturated fat, calories and sodium
Blue cheese is a nutrient-dense food that contains various vitamins, minerals, and natural compounds that are beneficial to health. However, it is also high in saturated fat, calories, and sodium.
Firstly, blue cheese is high in saturated fat, which is a type of fat that is typically solid at room temperature and comes from animal sources, such as meat and dairy products. While saturated fat is an essential part of a healthy diet, as it helps to protect the heart, it should be consumed in moderation. The American Heart Association recommends that no more than 5-6% of a person's total daily calorie intake should come from saturated fats. This means that, for a person consuming 2,000 calories per day, no more than 120 of these calories should come from saturated fats. Blue cheese is higher in saturated fats than healthy fats, with 5.3 grams of saturated fatty acids per 1-ounce serving (28 grams). This is equivalent to 72% of the calories found in blue cheese. As such, people following a low-calorie or low-fat diet should limit their consumption of blue cheese or opt for reduced-fat varieties.
Secondly, blue cheese is high in calories. A 1-ounce serving (28 grams) of blue cheese contains 100 calories, with 8.1 grams of fat making up 72% of these calories. This is significantly higher than the calories provided by low-fat cheeses, such as cottage cheese, which provides about 80 calories per 4-ounce serving (113 grams). Therefore, those watching their calorie intake should pay close attention to how much blue cheese they are consuming and consider sticking to smaller portions or using low-fat alternatives.
Thirdly, blue cheese is high in sodium. A 1-ounce serving (28 grams) of blue cheese provides 14% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of sodium. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that people over 14 years of age should consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. As such, those on a low-sodium diet should limit their consumption of blue cheese or opt for reduced-sodium varieties.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, blue cheese dressing can cause gas. Blue cheese is known to cause digestive issues in some people, leading to gas, bloating, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
The most common side effects of consuming blue cheese are nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, cramps, and diarrhoea. These symptoms can be a result of food poisoning or an allergic reaction to the mould or milk in the cheese.
Side effects from consuming contaminated blue cheese can appear within 6 to 24 hours, with food poisoning symptoms typically appearing within 6 hours. Allergic reactions may occur more rapidly, sometimes within minutes of ingestion.
Blue cheese contains mould cultures, specifically Penicillium roqueforti, which are responsible for the characteristic blue veins. These moulds can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, leading to digestive issues and inflammation.
Yes, blue cheese can be consumed safely by most people when stored and consumed properly. It is rich in calcium and other nutrients and may offer health benefits when consumed in moderation. However, those with milk or mould allergies should exercise caution and consult a doctor if symptoms arise.
