Is It Safe Or Dangerous To Trim And Eat Moldy Cheese?

If you find mold on the surface of a big, delicious chunk of cheddar in your refrigerator is it safe to just trim it off or could it kill you?

Eating moldy cheese can have a range of consequences, from nothing to serious illness or death.

When you discover mold on cheese, your first instinct might be to toss it in the trash.

However, the safety of eating moldy cheese actually depends on the type of cheese in question.

Hard and semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss are generally safe to eat after removing the moldy part.

The dense structure of these cheeses prevents mold from penetrating deeply into the product.

Soft cheeses like cottage cheese, cream cheese, or ricotta should be discarded if any mold appears.

Their high moisture content allows mold to spread invisible roots throughout the cheese.

The same goes for any cheese that's shredded, crumbled, or sliced.

Some cheeses, like blue cheese and Gorgonzola, are actually made with specific mold cultures and are perfectly safe to eat.

• Nothing: In most cases, eating a small amount of moldy cheese won't cause any health problems. Stomach acid can kill the mold spores before you feel any effects. 
• Upset stomach: You might experience an upset stomach or the cheese might taste bad. 
• Food poisoning: Moldy cheese can carry harmful bacteria like E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella, and Brucella, which can cause food poisoning. Symptoms include vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. 
• Allergic reaction: You might have a moderate allergic reaction. 
• Respiratory issues: You might experience respiratory problems. 
• Serious illness or death: In severe cases, eating moldy cheese can lead to hospitalization, dialysis, or even death. This is more of a risk for people with weakened immune systems. 

When in doubt, remember this rule of thumb: hard cheeses can usually be salvaged, while soft cheeses should be discarded at the first sign of unintended mold.