Can You Safely Eat Moldy Cheese?

Spotting mold on your food usually sends it straight to the trash but when it comes to cheese, things aren’t always so cut and dry. In fact, some types of cheese are made with mold on purpose, while others should never be eaten once mold appears.

So, when is it safe to eat moldy cheese, and when should you toss it? The answer depends on the type of cheese, the kind of mold, and your personal health.

Mold Can Be Part of the Process

Certain cheeses actually rely on mold for their distinct flavor, aroma, and texture. These are completely safe and even encouraged to eat.

Cheeses made with edible mold include:

• Roquefort

• Gorgonzola

• Stilton

• Brie

• Blue cheese

These cheeses use specific strains of Penicillium mold during the aging process, which are harmless to most people. These molds are introduced intentionally and are considered safe for consumption, even though they give the cheese a veiny, speckled, or fuzzy appearance.

When Mold Is a Warning Sign

Mold on soft cheeses that aren’t made with mold is a red flag and should be taken seriously.

Avoid eating moldy soft cheeses like:

• Cottage cheese

• Ricotta

• Cream cheese

• Fresh mozzarella

• Mascarpone

Soft cheeses have high moisture content, which makes them more vulnerable to contamination. Once mold appears, it can quickly spread below the surface even if you can’t see it. According to the USDA, these cheeses can harbor dangerous pathogens like E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella.

People at Higher Risk Should Be Extra Cautious

If you are:

• Pregnant

• Immunocompromised

• Elderly

• Managing a chronic illness

...you should avoid eating any mold-contaminated cheese, even harder varieties. Foodborne illness can pose serious complications in vulnerable individuals.

What About Hard Cheeses?

The good news: hard cheeses are more forgiving. Thanks to their low moisture content, mold has a harder time spreading through the block.

Safe to salvage if moldy:

• Cheddar

• Parmesan

• Swiss

• Grana Padano

How to cut safely:

Use a clean knife to cut at least 1 inch around and below the moldy spot. Be sure the knife doesn't touch the mold itself, to avoid cross-contamination. The rest of the cheese can still be enjoyed.

Can You Just Smell or Taste-Test It?

No and here’s why. The “sniff test” isn't reliable, and tasting moldy cheese to “check” if it’s bad could expose you to harmful bacteria. Some molds produce mycotoxins chemical compounds that can be toxic if ingested, especially in large amounts.

Symptoms of foodborne illness from moldy or contaminated cheese may include:

• Stomach cramps

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Fever

If symptoms are severe or persistent, seek medical attention.

When In Doubt, Throw It Out

If you’re unsure about the type of mold or how long the cheese has been sitting in your fridge, it’s safer to discard it. Food poisoning from contaminated dairy can be serious, and it’s not worth the risk.

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