How to Know if Cheese is Safe to Eat?

Cheese is known to be everyone’s favorite dairy product. And if you love cheese, there is a high possibility you buy cheese in bulk and store it. But have you ever wondered how long this cheese can last? Or whether or not the cheese is safe to eat?

Cheese is versatile, nutritious, and tasty product. There are many factors that can determine the longevity of your cheese. Although cheese is known to have a relatively long lasting shelf life, it is best to avoid it at all costs when the cheese does eventually go bad. 

But how will you know when the time has passed? In this article we will help you to gain clarity!

How Long Can Cheese Last If Left Unopened In The Fridge?

If you have unopened cheese in your fridge, it is highly likely that it will last for a long time. Especially if the cheese is contained in a vacuum-sealed package. 

Cheese that comes in vacuum-sealed packages often have “best used by,” dates printed on them. Keep in mind that this concept is entirely different when compared to an expiration date. An expiration date is a pre-established warning that the cheese should not be consumed beyond that specific date.

On the other hand, “best used by,” dates refer to the recommended date which will result in the optimal taste, texture, and freshness of the cheese. This is not a safety related date, more of a suggestion from the cheese maker. Various types of cheese can still be consumed beyond their, “best used by,” dates. 

The amount of time in which unopened cheese can last in the fridge entirely depends on the type of cheese. In this post, we will explore the various types of cheeses and their respective shelf-lives.

Different Types of Cheese You Can Consume

There are two types of cheese that you can consume: soft cheese and hard cheese. Within these two categories, there are numerous varieties. Soft cheeses tend to spoil faster when compared to hard cheese. 

To understand the different varieties of cheese, take a look at the table below. 

Based on the table above, we can say definitively that hard cheeses can last three to four times longer when compared to soft cheeses when opened and kept in the refrigerator. Hard cheeses are known to have significantly less moisture. This, in turn, helps mitigate the growth of bacteria on the cheese. 

Unopened hard cheeses stored outside the refrigerator may have a shorter shelf life compared to when the cheese is refrigerated. 

Signs that the Cheese has Gone Bad ?

The best way for you to determine if the cheese you’ve purchased has spoiled or not is through sight, smell, and taste. 

1. Sight 

Take a good look at the cheese before you buy it. One of the best ways to notice some signs of bad cheese is to take a good look at its appearance. It is also important to understand what fresh cheese looks like so you know what to watch for. The cheese should have a clean appearance with no discoloration or mold.

Apart from this, you will also gain clarity on the age of the cheese. If you notice any changes in the appearance of the cheese from when you purchased it, this is an indication that it is time to dispose of the cheese.

2. Smell 

The smell of the cheese is not only the best way to figure out the quality, but it is also one of the best ways to determine if eating the cheese is safe. 

If a hard cheese like American cheese begins smelling like soft cheese such as blue cheese, then you should immediately throw it out! Cheeses that have a naturally pungent aroma are more prone to develop a highly unpleasant smell, similar to cat urine, when they become spoiled. 

If you know how a particular cheese smells and you realize that it smells more concentrated than before, you should probably avoid eating it at all.

3. Taste 

Our last factor to determine whether or not cheese is safe to consume is taste. Most types of cheese from across the globe have strong and differing tastes and flavors. 

However, the more types of cheese you taste, the more you will realize that there is hardly any differentiation between the taste of fresh cheese, and the taste of cheese that has spoiled. It is vital to remember that cheeses with a strong aroma can still be edible despite their pungent smell. These varieties of cheese will smell pungent when safe to eat, but can taste bitter and sour once they have gone bad. 

If your mild cheese suddenly seems to change its character, don’t just assume that it is safe to eat! Throw it away as soon as you can. 

What Will Happen If I Eat Bad Cheese?

Depending on how healthy your immune system is and how much of the bad cheese you’ve consumed, you may experience mild symptoms such as indigestion.

Cheese becomes spoiled when it is affected by harmful mold and bacteria. This can cause an allergic reactions for many people. In worse cases, eating bad cheese can lead to major food poisoning. 

If you do feel uncomfortable or sick after eating cheese and suspect that the cheese has gone bad, it is recommended to seek medical attention. If you ever have a doubt that your cheese might be spoiled, don’t think twice and just throw it away. 

Final Thoughts

Although cheese can be stored and aged professionally for many years, you need to keep in mind that your refrigerator is not a cheese cellar. It is only possible to safely store your cheese in the refrigerator for a limited amount of time. 

Cheese is a delicious dairy product that is loved by all, but it is important for you to ensure that it is safe to eat to avoid any type of health condition.

By knowing the, “best used by dates,” looking for any type of mold, smelling the cheese for any unusually pungent smell, or checking the cheese for a strange taste, you can easily determine if cheese is safe to eat or not!