Bushra Griffith
Cheese is a beloved dairy product made from milk solids that can go bad at room temperature. According to the U.S. Department of Health, cheese should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, and this limit reduces to one hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C). However, some people have reported consuming cheese that was left in a car overnight or for 12 hours, with no ill effects. So, will cheese go bad if left in a hot car? The answer is that it depends on various factors, including the type of cheese, the temperature in the car, and the length of time it was left out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese going bad in a hot car | High risk of bacterial growth, especially if left for more than 4 hours |
| Type of cheese | Harder cheeses with less moisture, e.g. Cheddar, Parmesan, are more resistant to spoilage |
| Softer cheeses with higher moisture content, e.g. Brie, Camembert, are more perishable | |
| Sealed vs. unsealed cheese | Sealed cheese is less likely to spoil |
| Personal tolerance | Pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems should be more cautious |
| Signs of spoilage | Visible mold, unpleasant smell or taste, greasy texture |
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What You'll Learn
Hard cheeses can be left out of the fridge
Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, can be left out of the fridge. This is because they have a lower moisture content, which makes them less susceptible to bacterial growth. According to the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, hard cheeses can be left out for up to four hours and then rewrapped and placed back in the fridge. However, it is important to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as an unpleasant smell, a slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mold.
The safety of leaving cheese out of the fridge depends on the type of cheese. Hard cheeses, which are typically aged for longer periods, have a lower moisture content and can, therefore, withstand longer periods without refrigeration. On the other hand, soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, and mozzarella, have a higher moisture content and are more perishable. These cheeses should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, according to the U.S. Department of Health.
The shelf life of hard cheeses can be extended by storing them in the refrigerator. However, some people choose to store hard cheeses in their pantries, as they can benefit from being at room temperature. For example, Cheddar cheese can become greasy at room temperature, but this can be delayed by refrigeration. Additionally, hard cheeses that have been grated will spoil faster than those left in blocks.
In some cases, hard cheeses can even be left out overnight without spoiling. This is because hard cheeses are already fermented and can withstand some abuse before becoming inedible. However, it is important to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage before consuming it.
Overall, while hard cheeses can be left out of the fridge, it is important to be mindful of the time they are left out and to regularly inspect them for any signs of spoilage to ensure food safety.
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Soft cheeses are more perishable
Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, have a lower moisture content, which makes them less likely to have bacterial growth. They can, therefore, sit out for longer than the standard two hours without becoming unsafe, although the quality and taste may differ. It is not recommended to leave hard cheese unrefrigerated for longer than four hours.
On the other hand, soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, Brie, Camembert, and fresh mozzarella, should be discarded after two hours of sitting out at room temperature. Spoiled soft cheeses may display a slimy texture, a yellowed color, mold, sourness, or a strong ammonia scent.
The perishability of cheese also depends on other factors such as the type of milk used and the process of cheese-making. For example, goat cheese is more perishable than other cheeses. Additionally, cheeses made from pasteurized milk with less moisture and a more acidic pH, such as Cheddar, are less likely to promote bacterial growth and can last longer without refrigeration.
In some cases, cheese can be left unrefrigerated for extended periods, especially if it is sealed. For instance, one person reported eating cheddar, muenster, and mozzarella slowly over a month period without refrigeration, and it tasted excellent. Another person reported taking cheddar camping, where it was exposed to temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius for days, and it was still edible on day 5.
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Bacteria growth is a risk
The risk of bacterial growth increases as the temperature rises, and a car left in the sun can quickly exceed 90°F (32°C). Cheese that has been left in a hot car for an extended period may not show visible signs of bacteria, as it can be microscopic. However, it may become soft, oily, and sweaty, indicating that it has been exposed to excessive heat.
Some types of cheese are more susceptible to bacterial growth than others. Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar or Parmesan, have a lower moisture content and can withstand higher temperatures without promoting bacterial growth. On the other hand, soft cheeses, such as Brie or Camembert, have a higher moisture content and are more perishable, making them more susceptible to bacterial growth if left in a hot car.
Additionally, unopened cheese in airtight packaging may have some protection against bacterial growth, as it has not been exposed to the open air. However, once the package is opened, the cheese must be consumed more quickly to avoid bacterial contamination.
While some individuals have reported consuming cheese left in a hot car without experiencing any negative effects, it is important to exercise caution. If the cheese shows signs of spoilage, such as a strong ammonia smell or the presence of mold, it should be discarded. Even if the cheese appears safe, there is a risk of bacterial growth that could lead to foodborne illnesses. Therefore, it is recommended to follow food safety guidelines and avoid consuming cheese that has been left in a hot car for prolonged periods.
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Cheese can dry out and spoil
Cheese is a fermented product that can withstand some abuse before becoming inedible. However, it will dry out and spoil if left in a hot car. The U.S. Department of Health advises that cheese should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. If the temperature is above 90°F (32°C), this limit is reduced to one hour.
Cheese will dry out faster in a warmer room and start to look crusty and crumbly. While it may not have a lot of bacterial growth, it won't be appealing to eat. The risk of bacterial growth increases with higher temperatures and longer exposure times. Leaving cheese in a hot car for an extended period can lead to rapid deterioration and an increased risk of foodborne illness.
Some cheeses are more susceptible to drying out and spoiling than others. Hard cheeses like Cheddar or Parmesan have lower moisture content and can withstand higher temperatures without spoiling. They may become greasy but are less likely to dry out and spoil. On the other hand, soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and fresh mozzarella have higher moisture content and are more perishable. They are more likely to dry out and spoil if left in a hot car.
Additionally, unopened cheese in airtight packaging may be better protected from the heat and could potentially withstand higher temperatures for a limited time. However, once opened, the cheese must be consumed more quickly as it is more susceptible to spoilage.
It is important to use your judgment when deciding whether to consume cheese that has been left in a hot car. If it looks unappealing or has visible signs of spoilage, it is best to discard it. While you may not become severely ill, the quality of the cheese will likely suffer, and there is a risk of foodborne illness, especially for pregnant women, the elderly, or individuals with weakened immune systems.
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Trust your senses to tell if cheese is bad
While it is true that cheese can spoil if left unrefrigerated for too long, it is also a fermented product that can take a fair amount of abuse before becoming inedible. The safety window depends on the type of cheese, primarily its moisture content and whether it is fresh or aged. Hard cheeses like Cheddar or Parmesan have lower moisture content and can sit out longer without spoiling. Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert have higher moisture content and are more perishable.
If you've left your cheese in a hot car, use your senses of sight, smell, and taste to determine whether it's gone bad. According to experts, smell is the best indicator of its quality before you put it in your mouth and one of the best ways to determine whether your cheese is still safe to eat. If a mild cheese like Monterey Jack or American smells strong, like blue cheese or Limburger, it's time to throw it away. Cheeses that are naturally pungent, like blue cheese or Camembert, will have a strong ammonia smell once they go bad, similar to cat urine. If the cheese smells like a much more concentrated version of what you're used to, it's probably no longer safe to eat.
However, if there's no unusual smell, you might have to taste a piece of the cheese to tell if it has gone bad. If you decide to do this, only taste a small piece to get the flavor. If the cheese tastes sour or has an unpleasant aftertaste, it has likely spoiled.
In addition to smell and taste, you can also check the appearance of the cheese. If it has mold, it's best to throw it away, especially if it's a soft cheese. Some cheeses are supposed to have mold, like Camembert, Gorgonzola, Époisses, Limburger, and real Munster cheese. These cheeses smell rotten, but that's how they're supposed to smell.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to consume cheese that has been left out of the refrigerator for too long. The U.S. Department of Health advises that cheese should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, and if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C), this limit is reduced to one hour. However, some people have consumed cheese left in a car overnight or for a few hours without experiencing any negative effects.
If the cheese has been left unopened and sealed, it may still be safe to consume. However, if the cheese is soft and oily, it is best to discard it as it may have gone bad. Trust your senses—if it looks unappealing, don't eat it.
Soft cheeses with higher moisture content, such as Brie, Camembert, ricotta, cream cheese, and fresh mozzarella, are more perishable and should be avoided if left in a hot car.
Consuming cheese that has been left out of refrigeration for an extended period can lead to foodborne illness, especially for pregnant women, the elderly, or individuals with weakened immune systems. The cheese may also have deteriorated in quality, affecting its texture, taste, and appearance.
