Can Eating Moldy Cheese Make You Sick?

Yes, eating moldy cheese can make you sick, but it depends on the type of cheese and the type of mold.

Some cheeses, like blue cheese, Gorgonzola, and Brie, are intentionally made with mold. These molds are safe to eat for most healthy adults.

Did you know some cheeses are supposed to be moldy? It’s true! Cheeses like blue cheese, Brie, and Camembert are made with special molds that give them their unique flavors and textures.

For example, blue cheese gets its cool blue-green veins from a mold called Penicillium roqueforti. This mold is totally safe to eat and adds a tangy, bold taste that cheese lovers enjoy.

Similarly, the white, fuzzy rind on Brie and Camembert is made with a type of mold called Penicillium candidum, which makes these cheeses creamy and delicious.

The key here is that these molds are carefully added during the cheesemaking process, so they’re perfectly safe to eat—as long as you’re a healthy adult. (Kids, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems should be more careful.)

Next time you’re at the store, grab a wedge of blue cheese or Brie and give it a try. You might just discover a new favorite!

When Moldy Cheese is NOT Safe to Eat?

So we’ve learned that some cheeses are intentionally moldy and safe to eat. But, it’s super important to know that not all mold on cheese is okay. Some molds can be harmful.

Here’s why it’s important to be careful about moldy cheese:

• Mycotoxins: Some molds produce substances called mycotoxins. These can be like tiny poisons and can make you sick if you eat them. They can cause a range of health problems.
• Allergies: Just like some people are allergic to pollen or dust, some people are also allergic to certain molds. If they breathe in these molds, it could cause problems like asthma or other breathing issues.

So, which cheeses should you definitely throw away if they get moldy? Here’s a good list to remember:

• Soft Cheeses: These are the most vulnerable. If you see any mold on soft cheeses, toss them. This includes cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, and other similar soft cheeses.
• Shredded, Crumbled, or Sliced Cheese: These cheeses are also more susceptible to mold growth because they have more surface area exposed to the air. If you see mold on these, even a little bit, it’s best to throw them away.
• Anything Unexpected: The biggest rule is: if the mold isn’t supposed to be there (like on blue cheese or Brie), and it’s growing on your cheese, it’s not safe. Any cheese with mold that’s not part of its natural makeup should be discarded.

Basically, when in doubt, throw it out! It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to moldy cheese.

How to Handle Moldy Cheese?

So, you’ve got some hard cheese, like cheddar or Parmesan, and you see a little bit of mold. Don’t panic! With hard cheeses, you can often safely remove the mold and still enjoy the rest of the cheese.

Here’s the right way to handle it:

1. Cut it Away: Use a sharp knife to cut away the mold. It’s not enough to just scrape off the mold you see on the surface. You need to cut away at least one inch around and below the moldy spot. Mold can have tiny roots that spread deeper than you can see.
2. Keep it Clean: It’s really important to keep your knife clean. You don’t want to spread the mold to other parts of the cheese. Try not to let the knife touch the mold itself as you’re cutting. You can even wash the knife between cuts if you’re dealing with a larger moldy area.
3. Storage is Key: The best way to deal with moldy cheese is to prevent it in the first place! Always store your cheese properly.

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container. This helps to keep out moisture and air, which are what mold needs to grow. Keep your cheese in the refrigerator, too.

Who Should Avoid Moldy Cheese?

While some moldy cheeses are safe for healthy adults, certain groups of people should avoid all moldy cheese, even the kinds that are normally okay to eat like blue cheese or Brie. These groups are more at risk from the potential dangers of mold:

• Pregnant Women: Pregnant women need to be extra careful about what they eat. Even though some moldy cheeses are considered safe for most people, it’s best for pregnant women to avoid them altogether to minimize any risk to the developing baby.
• Older Adults: As we get older, our immune systems might not be as strong as they used to be.

This means it can be harder for our bodies to fight off any potential problems from mold. So, older adults should also avoid moldy cheeses.  

• People with Weakened Immune Systems: Anyone with a weakened immune system, whether from a medical condition or medication, should definitely stay away from moldy cheeses. Their bodies are more susceptible to infections, and mold could pose a serious risk.  
• Infants and Young Children: Just like pregnant women, infants and young children have developing immune systems. It’s best to avoid giving them any moldy cheese, even the “safe” kinds, to protect their health.  

FAQs

What should I do if I ate moldy cheese?

If you ate moldy cheese, monitor yourself for symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If symptoms worsen, consult a doctor.

How long after eating bad cheese do you get sick?

It depends on the type of bacteria, but symptoms of food poisoning from bad cheese can appear anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours after consumption.

Is a little mold on cheese ok?

It depends on the cheese. Hard cheeses like cheddar or Swiss are often safe if you cut away the mold, plus an inch around and below it. Soft cheeses should be discarded if moldy.

What are the symptoms of cheese poisoning?

Symptoms of cheese poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and headache.

Conclusion

So, remember, not all moldy cheese is created equal. Some cheeses, like blue cheese and Brie, are intentionally made with safe molds that give them their unique flavors.

However, it’s really important to know the difference between these good molds and the potentially harmful ones. Soft cheeses, shredded or sliced cheese, and any cheese with unexpected mold should be discarded.

When it comes to your health, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. If you’re ever unsure about a cheese, it’s better to throw it away than risk getting sick. For more information on food safety and mold, you can check out resources from the USDA or your local health department.