Should You Eat That Moldy Cheese?
Overview
Cheese is a common food in many homes, but finding mold on it can make anyone pause before eating. People may wonder if moldy cheese should always be tossed or if it can still be safe to eat. For many hard and semi-soft cheeses, you can usually cut off the moldy part and eat the rest, but you should throw away soft cheeses with mold.3
Mold does not spread as easily through hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or Parmesan. Experts recommend cutting away at least one inch around and below the mold. Mold on soft cheeses spreads quickly, so you should not eat these types if they are moldy.
Understanding Mold On Cheese
Mold appears on cheese for different reasons. In some cheeses, it is an essential part of the flavor and texture, while in others, mold can be a sign of spoilage and a health risk. Knowing which types of mold are safe helps prevent waste and avoid illness.
Types Of Mold Used In Cheesemaking
Certain cheeses rely on specific types of mold for their unique taste and texture. Blue cheeses such as Roquefort, Stilton, and Gorgonzola use a mold called Penicillium roqueforti, which creates their signature blue veins and strong flavor. Brie and Camembert use Penicillium candidum, which forms a soft, edible white rind with a mild taste.
Cheesemakers intentionally add these molds during the production process, often along with rennet (a substance that helps curdle milk) and beneficial bacteria. Aged Gouda and other hard cheeses typically do not have visible mold, but some aging methods allow natural rinds to develop with harmless surface molds. Cheesemakers carefully select safe molds and manage their growth to avoid harmful bacteria or toxins.
How Mold Grows On Cheese
Mold is a type of fungus that spreads by sending airborne spores onto food. Cheese provides a good environment for mold, especially if it has high moisture and is stored in warm or humid conditions. The surface of soft cheese like Brie or cream cheese is especially welcoming to mold growth, while hard cheese such as Parmesan or aged Gouda usually resists mold better.
When mold lands on cheese, it can grow and sometimes send roots deeper into softer varieties. On hard cheeses, mold generally stays on the surface and you can often cut it away. Storing cheese cold and wrapping it in wax paper helps limit unwanted mold. Cheese types with velvety edible rinds, like Camembert and Brie, grow a specific mold on the outside. This mold is safe to eat as part of the cheese.
Desirable Versus Harmful Mold
Some molds found on cheese are meant to be there and are safe. These include the controlled molds used in Brie, Camembert, and blue cheeses like Roquefort and Stilton, which add flavor and change the texture.
Harmful mold is different. Random fuzzy, green, black, or pink spots on cheese can be a sign of spoilage. On soft cheese, harmful mold can grow quickly and may make the whole piece unsafe, since mold roots can go deep. On hard cheese, such as cheddar or aged gouda, unwanted mold usually stays on the surface.
Health experts warn that some harmful molds produce toxins called mycotoxins, which can cause sickness. If you do not know the type of mold and it is not part of normal cheese aging, especially on soft cheese, it is safest to discard the product.
Which Moldy Cheeses Are Safe To Eat?
Not all moldy cheeses are the same. Some are made to have mold, while others should not have any visible mold at all.
- Safe to Eat: Cheeses that use mold as part of their production are generally safe for most healthy adults. These include:
- Brie
- Camembert
- Roquefort
- Gorgonzola
- Stilton
- Blue cheese varieties
These cheeses are intentionally made with safe molds. The mold creates their unique flavor and texture.
- Not Always Safe: If mold grows by accident on hard cheeses like Parmesan, Cheddar, and Aged Gouda, you can cut off at least 1 inch (about 2.5 cm) around and below the mold spot. Wrap the remaining cheese in clean packaging.
| Cheese Type | Is Mold Safe to Eat? | Action to Take |
|---|---|---|
| Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola, Blue cheese | Yes (if bought this way) | Eat as usual |
| Parmesan, Cheddar, Aged Gouda (hard cheeses) | Only if you remove the moldy part | Cut off mold, eat the rest |
| Soft cheeses not meant to be moldy (cream cheese, etc.) | No | Throw away completely |
- Important: If the cheese is soft and not supposed to have mold, like cream cheese, you should throw it away if mold appears. Mold can get into soft cheeses more easily and may make people sick.
People with weak immune systems, young children, pregnant women, or the elderly should be extra careful with all moldy cheeses, even the kinds made with safe molds.
When To Discard Moldy Cheese
The type of cheese makes a big difference in whether you should throw it away or can save it. Soft cheeses like cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella should always be discarded if mold develops. These cheeses are moist, so mold can spread below the surface where you cannot see it. Eating moldy soft cheese may expose you to harmful bacteria like E. coli or salmonella.
| Cheese Type | Moldy? Discard? |
|---|---|
| Cottage Cheese | Yes |
| Cream Cheese | Yes |
| Ricotta | Yes |
| Mozzarella | Yes |
| Fresh Cheese | Yes |
Packaged shredded, sliced, or crumbled cheeses should also be thrown out if they develop mold, since the loose texture lets mold invade the whole product. For hard cheeses like Parmesan or cheddar, you can cut away the mold. Remove at least 1 inch around and below the mold spot, making sure the knife does not touch the mold itself. When in doubt, check food safety guidance. Take extra care for anyone with a weak immune system, young children, pregnant people, or older adults.
Health Risks Of Eating Moldy Cheese
Eating moldy cheese can cause health problems, especially if the wrong type of mold is present. Not all molds are safe, and some can produce toxins. Mycotoxins are harmful substances made by certain molds. If you eat them, you may feel sick to your stomach, vomit, or have other digestive problems. People who eat moldy cheese might experience the following symptoms:
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli can grow on cheese contaminated with mold. These bacteria can cause serious illness, especially in young children, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems.
| Potential Risks | Description |
|---|---|
| Mycotoxins | Toxins made by mold; can be dangerous if eaten. |
| Food poisoning | Caused by bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. |
| Allergic reactions | Some people may react badly to mold exposure. |
Hard cheeses may be safer because mold does not travel far into them. Soft cheeses, like cream cheese or cottage cheese, let mold and bacteria spread deeper, leading to more risk if eaten. Eating a small amount of moldy cheese by accident will not always make you sick, but the risk is still present. Each person’s reaction can vary, especially if they have allergies or health problems.
Proper Cheese Storage And Mold Prevention
Storing cheese correctly helps keep it fresh and slows down mold growth. Different cheeses need different storage methods.
- Hard cheeses like cheddar and parmesan stay fresh longer if you wrap them in wax paper, parchment, or cheese paper. These materials let the cheese breathe while keeping moisture out. Place the wrapped cheese in the warmest part of the fridge, like the vegetable drawer.
- Soft cheeses such as cream cheese need an airtight container. Mold spreads faster in these cheeses, so always use a clean utensil and reseal after each use.
- Brie is a soft cheese with edible mold. Store it in its original packaging or in wax paper inside an airtight container in the fridge.
Tips for Preventing Mold
- Do not use plastic wrap directly on cheese, as it can trap moisture and speed up mold growth.
- Always use clean hands or utensils to handle cheese.
- Store cheese apart from foods with strong odors, since cheese can absorb other smells.
- Keep each cheese type wrapped separately to avoid cross-contamination.
| Cheese Type | Best Wrapping | Container | Fridge Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheddar | Wax/Parchment Paper | Loose wrap | Vegetable drawer |
| Parmesan | Cheese Paper | Loose wrap | Vegetable drawer |
| Cream Cheese | N/A | Airtight container | Main compartment |
| Brie | Wax Paper | Airtight container | Main compartment |
Following these methods helps slow mold growth and keeps cheese tasting its best.
How To React If You Eat Moldy Cheese
If you accidentally eat moldy cheese, stay calm. In many cases, especially with hard or semi-soft cheeses, mold does not cause serious problems. Watch for Symptoms: Some people might not notice any effects. Others could have mild stomach discomfort. Possible signs to look for include:
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Most healthy adults recover quickly. Drinking water and resting can help you feel better. If you have a weakened immune system, mold allergies, or are pregnant, be more careful. You might have stronger reactions. If you start to vomit often, develop a fever, or have trouble breathing after eating moldy cheese, contact a doctor right away.
What To Do Next
- Throw away any remaining moldy cheese from the fridge.
- Check other dairy products to make sure they are safe.
- Wash your hands and clean all surfaces that touched the moldy cheese.
