Kamil Perry
Eating moldy vegan cheese may or may not make you sick. It depends on the type of cheese and the type of mold. Most molds are harmless, and some are even used to make popular cheeses like Brie and Blue Cheese. However, some molds can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems, and certain conditions can cause molds to produce mycotoxins, which are poisonous and can make you very sick or even kill you. If you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, you should be extra cautious and seek guidance from a doctor. To prevent cheese from molding, it is important to store it properly and consume it within a reasonable time frame.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chances of getting sick | Unlikely, but depends on the type of cheese and the amount of mold consumed |
| Potential symptoms | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, allergic reactions |
| High-risk groups | Babies, young children, older adults, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals |
| Types of cheese to avoid | Soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella |
| Types of cheese that can be consumed with mold | Hard or semi-soft cheeses like Parmesan, Cheddar, Havarti, Brie |
| Moldy cheese consumption risks | Foodborne illness, allergic reactions, respiratory issues, hospitalization, dialysis |
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What You'll Learn
It depends on the type of cheese
Mould is a type of microscopic fungus that thrives in moist areas. It is transported by water, air, or insects. Many moulds have a body that consists of root threads that invade the food it lives on, a stalk that rises above the food, and spores that form at the ends of the stalks.
Some moulds are used to make popular cheeses and are safe for most healthy adults to consume. These include blue cheese, Gorgonzola, Camembert, and Brie. However, they should be avoided by babies, young children, older adults, pregnant women, and anyone with a compromised immune system.
Hard or semi-soft cheeses such as Cheddar, Havarti, or Brie can be consumed after cutting off the mouldy part and about an inch surrounding it. This is because mould does not penetrate far into hard cheeses. However, fresh cheeses like Mozzarella, cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, mascarpone, and chèvre should be discarded since the damp environment means that the mould has likely penetrated deep into the cheese.
While rare, possible symptoms of eating mould may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and allergic reactions. If you are concerned about any symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
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It depends on the type of mould
It is important to note that mould is a type of microscopic fungus that thrives in moist areas. There may be 300,000 or more types of mould, and it is impossible to tell which type is growing on your food just by looking at it. Therefore, it is generally advised not to eat mouldy food.
However, it is also true that not all moulds will make you sick. In fact, many cheeses are made with mould cultures and are safe for most healthy adults to consume. These include blue cheese, Gorgonzola, Camembert, and Brie. However, these should be avoided by babies, young children, older adults, pregnant women, and anyone with a compromised immune system.
Hard or semi-soft cheeses such as Cheddar, Havarti, or Brie can be salvaged by cutting off the mouldy part and about an inch surrounding it. However, fresh cheeses like Mozzarella, mascarpone, ricotta, cottage cheese, cream cheese, or chèvre should be discarded since the mould has likely penetrated deep into the cheese.
While rare, possible symptoms of eating mould may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, shortness of breath, and allergic reactions. If you are concerned about any symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
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It depends on the amount consumed
In general, consuming a small amount of mouldy cheese is unlikely to cause significant health issues for most people. The stomach's acidic environment can kill mould spores, preventing them from causing harm. However, it is important to note that mouldy cheese can be dangerous and may lead to illness in certain cases.
The risk of illness from mouldy cheese depends on the type of cheese and the extent of mould growth. Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, cottage cheese, or cream cheese, should not be consumed if mould is present, as the mould can spread quickly and contaminate the entire product. On the other hand, hard or semi-soft cheeses like Cheddar, Havarti, or Brie can have the mouldy parts cut off, along with a small area surrounding it, and the rest of the cheese can be safely consumed.
Additionally, the potential health impact of consuming mouldy cheese also depends on individual factors. Pregnant individuals, those with weakened immune systems, babies, young children, older adults, or people with respiratory issues may be more susceptible to adverse effects from consuming mouldy cheese. In these cases, even a small amount of mouldy cheese could pose a risk, and it is recommended to seek medical guidance if concerned.
While consuming a small amount of mouldy cheese may not always lead to illness, it is essential to practice caution. If you notice mould on cheese, it is advisable to discard it entirely, especially if it is a soft cheese. When in doubt, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
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It depends on your health
The potential health risks of eating mouldy vegan cheese depend on the type of cheese and the health of the individual consuming it.
Mouldy soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, mascarpone, and chèvre, should be avoided as mould can spread quickly and is likely to have penetrated deep into the cheese. In contrast, mould on hard or semi-soft cheeses, such as cheddar, Havarti, or Brie, can be cut off along with a one-inch radius around it, and the rest of the cheese can be consumed safely. However, it is important to note that mould spores can remain in the air and contaminate other foods.
While some sources claim that eating a small amount of mouldy cheese will likely not cause health problems for most people, others suggest that it could lead to an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, shortness of breath, allergic reactions, respiratory issues, or even hospitalisation. The risk of adverse effects is higher for individuals with weakened immune systems, such as babies, young children, older adults, pregnant women, or those with underlying health conditions.
Therefore, it is generally recommended to err on the side of caution and refrain from consuming mouldy vegan cheese, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems. If mould is discovered, it is advisable to discard the entire product to prevent further contamination and ensure food safety.
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What to do if you've eaten mouldy vegan cheese. i.e. what to look out for
It is important to note that mouldy vegan cheese, like any other mouldy food, may contain toxins that can lead to illness. It can also be contaminated with bacteria that can cause food poisoning, including listeria, brucella, salmonella, and E. coli. Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid eating mouldy vegan cheese.
If you have accidentally consumed mouldy vegan cheese, the first thing to do is not panic. In most cases, consuming a small amount of mouldy food may not cause any health issues for most individuals. Your stomach acid is strong enough to kill the mould spores before they can affect you. However, it is still recommended to throw away the mouldy cheese and any remaining food it came into contact with to prevent further consumption.
While rare, possible symptoms of consuming mould include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, shortness of breath, and allergic reactions. If you experience any of these symptoms or are concerned about a serious reaction, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
To prevent mouldy vegan cheese in the future, proper storage is essential. Store your vegan cheese in the refrigerator as soon as possible, and wrap it tightly in aluminium foil or wax paper. Consume the cheese within a reasonable timeframe, as indicated on the packaging. Additionally, regularly check the cheese for any signs of mould and discard it if necessary.
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