Support from readers like you helps us do our best work. If you’re seeing mold or greenish gray specks all over the product, the string cheese is no longer safe to eat. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Load Up on Protein With the Power of Plants, An Avocado a Day Can Boost Your Gut Health, 15 Chocolate Bars That Are Low-Key Healthy, How to Find the Best Protein Powder for You, How To Use Fall’s Best Fruits And Vegetables, 30 Protein-Packed Breakfasts for All-Day Energy, The Best Vegan Protein Powders for Strong Muscles. Cheese isn't bad for you — it can fit into a healthy diet when eaten in moderation. The USDA specifically recommends cleaning the inside of your fridge every few months with either baking soda dissolved in water or a bleach solution to try to get rid of mold spores that could be lurking in there. Here’s What Sugar Really Does to Your Brain. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. You should not eat feta cheese if you’re pregnant, or if you are lactose intolerant, and/or if you have some troubles with salty foods. If you see mold on soft cheese such as cottage, cream cheese, or all types of crumbled, shredded, and sliced cheeses, throw it out. Here’s a look at some of the cheeses you can enjoy during pregnancy. ! Why trust us? Foodborne illness: What consumers need to know. With these cheeses, the mold can send threads throughout the cheese — contaminating more than you see. And how bad is it to eat cheese with mold on it, anyway? People usually think I'm a freak. 1. Because some cheese is made with pasteurized milk or is cooked before being served, you don’t have to swear off cheese entirely while you’re pregnant. If you’re a cheese lover, you will welcome the results of this new study with open arms. Keep in mind that you can’t necessarily see all of the mold that’s infected your cheese (or any other food). “When moisture exists on any food, ventilation allows for exposure to spores, which can collect and grow on the food’s surface,” Detwiler says. No. One thing you can tell immediately about a cheese gone bad is if there’s mold growing on it in the fridge. “Even though you pull it out, it still has roots and it’s just going to grow back.”. So you can cut away the moldy part and eat the rest of the cheese. Mold may be more likely to spread widely in soft foods, ruining even the parts that look OK, while it may be more localized in dense, hard foods, like a Parmesan cheese. There are 3 main attributes you want to look for when determining if your cheese has gone bad--smell, appearance, and taste. If you do eat this cheese you'll start to feel sick a little bit and probably have stomach problems. Customer: The amount was probably less than half a teaspoon, too -- to begin with. Some will do nothing, while others can make you really sick. Each cheese ages differently and therefore spoils differently. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/molds-on-food-are-they-dangerous_/ct_index. If say, the string cheese has taken on a dry texture but there is no presence of mold, it is still safe to eat. ... Had the same symptoms about 2 years ago after eating blue cheese. The same goes for any kind of cheese that's shredded, crumbled or sliced. But mold spores can also latch onto your cheese through the air or water, where they can grow. That’s especially true when you’re dealing with a soft cheese, shredded cheese, or sliced cheese. But if you’re a fan of string cheese ― which you should be ― and you’ve ever wondered why in the world it strings when other cheeses don’t, it’s time to delve a little deeper into the cheese-making world. In addition, harmful bacteria, such as listeria, brucella, salmonella and E. coli, can grow along with the mold. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. “Because soft cheeses have a high moisture content, they can be contaminated well beyond the surface of the moldy area,” Ziegler says. Telling someone that you only eat cheese inevitably elicits a bad reaction. I prefer apple vinegar for this. Knowing when you cheese has reached the end of its life is sometimes trickier than it seems. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Accessed Aug. 28, 2018. If in doubt, throw it out. Again, there is a wide range of molds out there. Do You Have Food Poisoning or the Stomach Flu? A bit of cheese can be helpful if you need to get your cat to take a pill and want to hide it in something tasty so they actually eat it. Hard cheese Swap ingredients! “These breathable materials prevent mold-causing moisture from collecting on the surface without drying it out,” he says. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. “Mostly these are invisible to the naked eye, but when one can see mold, strong roots have already grown. Generally, it’s not ideal, but people have been known to survive on amazing things, and cheese would likely be possible. Many have a body that consist of root threads that invade the food it lives on, a stalk that rises above the food, and spores that form at the ends of the stalks. Remember that cheese was invented partly as a way of preserving milk in a world that at the time lacked refrigeration. And it shouldn’t be. Be sure to keep the knife out of the mold, so it doesn't contaminate other parts of the cheese. There could be health related issues and I’m going to assume you can have water, or at least, a very watery cheese. String cheese comes with a date on the label. “These molds are unlikely to … Moreover, cheese contains no fiber, so excessive intake of cheese may cause constipation. It’s unclear exactly how many different types of mold there are, but there may be 300,000 or more. So when you eat them in large quantities regularly, weight gain … If you eat Mozzarella, cheddar, or any other cheese that mold has grown on, the effects could be anywhere from minimal to serious. If it is a brick of cheese with mold, simply cut away the mold and use the cheese. We all know that eating too many high-calorie foods can make you gain weight. "And it will also depend on what you are choosing to eat with your cheese, since cheese may partner with higher-fat, low- fiber foods such as crackers, tortilla chips, pizza crust, low fiber bread, or pasta." Prevention participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. But consuming lots of cheese on a regular basis can have more of a lasting impact with the increased saturated fat and salt in cheese leading to complications such as obesity, type 2 diabetes … In addition, harmful bacteria, such as listeria, brucella, salmonella and E. coli, can grow along with the mold. You're fine. While this is an upside, they already get an adequate amount of protein from their dry kibble diet. If you see that, cut off about 1–1½ inches around the mold and continue eating it. Also, the way you store your cheese can help you decide how long your cheese last. Certain molds can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems, the USDA says. Plus, the best way to store your cheese so it stays fresher for longer. If it was left unrefrigerated for a few days, it’s probably okay. Mold generally can't penetrate far into hard and semisoft cheeses, such as cheddar, colby, Parmesan and Swiss. If the cheese is pre-sliced, it’s probably done. If your cheese is hard or semi-soft, like cheddar, Parmesan, or Swiss, Detwiler says you might be OK to cut off the moldy part and eat the rest of the cheese. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, 5 tasty ways to tweak recipes for healthier eating, A spoonful of sugar helps the veggies go down, Strategies to prepare and enjoy healthy meals at home more often, Hold the soap when washing fruits and veggies, Ingredient substitutions that pack a punch, The right way to wash fruits and vegetables. Eight Things Food-Safety Experts Never Eat, 6 Surprising Foods That Can Make You Seriously Sick. Detwiler breaks down possible outcomes this way: “To be safe, it is better to toss the cheese, especially when there are children and individuals at high-risk in the household,” Ziegler says. Can you cut off the moldy part and eat the rest? In rare cases, bad string cheese may not give off an off odor or a moldy appearance, so, you can taste it and find out. While some dogs can eat cheese, and most dogs love it, many dogs can be intolerant of cheese. Cheese gets moldy when it goes bad. My stomach's been rumbling since I ate one-week-past-use-by-date cottage cheese an hour or two ago. The cholesterol in cheese probably won't impact you unless you "are one of those people who are susceptible to the effects of cholesterol," at which point "eating cheese may increase your risk of heart disease and strokes," nutritional therapist Terry Fairclough told Yahoo. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics. Most of the time, the acids in the stomach will kill the mold spores, and you will suffer no ill effects. U.S. Department of Agriculture. You’ll also want to keep your cheese covered in plastic wrap, and make sure you don’t leave it out of the fridge for more than two hours at a time, the USDA says. This content does not have an English version. So it is important to always be mindful and avoid eating bad cheese at all costs. How Long Does String Cheese Last. For how long? And some molds, with the right conditions, can produce something called “mycotoxins,” that is, poisonous substances that can make you sick and even kill you. On the other hand if it is only one to days out of date it might still be fine. Soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese and ricotta, with mold should be discarded. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Benefits of Cheese “Brie and Camembert have white surface molds. “Blue veined cheese—Roquefort, blue, Gorgonzola, and Stilton—are formed by the introduction of Penicillium roqueforti spores,” she explains. When I was about halfway done with them, it started really bothering me, So I looked at the bag it came in (its that pre-packaged bag of grated cheese), and its best-by date was in july!! And sign up for our FREE newsletter here for daily health, nutrition, and fitness advice. These cheeses are safe to eat.”. Some types of mold are used to make cheeses, such as Brie and Camembert. So I made myself some nachos, and the mozzerella cheese I put on them smelled a little funny when I was eating them. Bottom line: If you have moldy cheese and you’re not sure what kind it is or what to do, it’s really best to pitch it. While not all cheeses have high calorific values, they are high-fat foods. Is it safe enough to eat the cheese if you just chop the mold off? Mold is a type of microscopic fungus that thrives in moist areas, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Aside from the unhealthy ingredients, cheese is a good source of protein—which is something your cat needs a lot of in their diet. With these cheeses, the mold can send threads throughout the cheese — contaminating more than you see. Would You Eat Cheese Made from Belly Button Bacteria? The type of food matters here, she says. Here are four things that happen when you eat too much cheese. That’s where the mental dilemma comes in: Do you really have to chuck the whole thing? This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Go here to subscribe to Prevention and get 12 FREE gifts. Even for dogs that are able to tolerate cheese, it is probably best fed in moderation. Molds on food: Are they dangerous? Schedule your appointment now for safe in-person care. Weight gain. I read online that that was a wise thing to do -- if you know you've eating something bad, to vomit within an hour. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Many times, you will have to use a combination of these three… It’s easy to tell if string cheese has gone bad. If it looked fine, and tasted fine, you have nothing to worry about. What Really Happens If You Never Replace Your Pillows. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 28, 2018. It hadn't been opened yet, if that makes any difference. "Some molds are used to make cheese, like Roquefort, blue cheese… By knowing the proper shelf life, you can estimate how long your cheese will last and consequently throw it out when it’s time. You spot a speck of mold on a hunk of cheese. Of course, not all molds pose a risk. However, if your cat needs regular medication on a daily basis over a long period of time, cheese is not the best option and can make them quite sick. If you want to keep the cheese longer, wipe it down with vinegar before you put it back in the refridgerator. There’s a wide range here and a lot depends on the type of mold and whether it’s harboring bacteria—things you really can’t tell simply by eyeballing it. Listeria. “Be sure to keep the knife out of the mold, so it doesn’t contaminate other parts of the cheese.”. Cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) around and below the moldy spot. Other cheeses may have an internal and a surface mold. Melted cheese is okay because it has been melted and can easily go through your body. Want healthier recipes? "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Cheese During Pregnancy: What’s Safe to Eat. Consuming a bad mozzarella cheese is never a good idea. Mayo Clinic facts about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Our COVID-19 patient and visitor guidelines, plus trusted health information, Mayo Clinic Health System patient vaccination updates. Some cheeses are meant to be moldy, and it’s OK to eat those molds, says Jane Ziegler, D.C.N., R.D., L.D.N., associate professor and director of the Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition Sciences at Rutgers University. © 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). For such people, consuming too much cheese can cause problems like gas or bloating. FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter, New Year Special - 40% off – Mayo Clinic Diet Online. To eat a string cheese the "right" way requires time, your full attention, and two impeccably clean hands — basically an impossible scenario if you're busy at all. What Happens If You Eat Food That Fell on the Floor? “Because soft cheeses have a high moisture content, they can be contaminated well beyond the surface of the moldy area,” Ziegler says. Most molds are threadlike, multi-celled organisms that are transported by water, air, or insects, the USDA says. Rizzo says it depends on the type of cheese and whether it's a soft, crumbly cheese or a hard cheese. Food Safety: Past, Present, and Predictions. AskMayoExpert. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Ultimately, it dehydrates your cat, causing vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and increased thirst—if eaten in excess. Unless you’re a cheese-making professional, the process involved in crafting cheese is not part of your general knowledge. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2018. Mold generally can't penetrate far into hard and semisoft cheeses, such as cheddar, colby, Parmesan and Swiss. Mysticdoc : yes correct . How to tell if string cheese is no longer safe to eat? http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/foodborne-illness-and-disease/foodborne-illness-what-consumers-need-to-know/ct_index. It tasted sour but I wasn't paying much attention so I ate more than I'd have liked before I finally caught on. If you want to be really next-level about your cheese storage, you can try this tip from Detwiler: Wrap a hard or soft cheese in a new piece of parchment or waxed paper after each use to keep it fresh. On the other hand, if you find mold on a hard cheese—like cheddar or parmesan, for example—Richards says to use caution. If you're not sure what type of cheese you have or what to do if it grows mold, the safe course is to discard it. So, when you come across cheese that’s been hanging out for a while, there’s a solid chance it could have grown mold. It’s easy for things to get lost in your fridge. But eating too much cheese can have several negative health effects. These molds are safe for healthy adults to eat. Foods that are moldy can also have invisible, harmful bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli growing along with them, says Darin Detwiler, Ph.D., director of the Regulatory Affairs of Food and Food Industries program at Northeastern University and author of Food Safety: Past, Present, and Predictions. In most cases, it’s a sell-by or use-by date, but it’s not uncommon for it to have a best-by date.No matter which variety it is, you should know that generally, string cheese has a pretty long shelf life of at least a few months. That keeps the mold away. 05 /5 Can cause digestive problems Cheese, like all other milk products, contains lactose, which is hard to digest for a lot of people. Cheese is often aged for years upon years, and for safety's sake we say to leave a bit of buffer if you cut off mold from a solid chunk of cheese, the rest is still fine to eat. Bad string cheese will usually have a moldy appearance, in which case, the product along with its packaging should be immediately thrown out. However, feta and goat cheese are much better than most other types. Feta cheese is listed among the types of cheese you can eat even in the case of reflux. It actually doesn't break down at all in your stomach. Before you try to eat around the problem, there are a few things you should know about moldy cheese first. “Cut off at least one inch around and below the moldy spot,” he says. “Think of mold as a weed,” says Susan Whittier, Ph.D., director of the clinical microbiology service at New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Zeratsky KA (expert opinion). "Depending on which type of cheese you choose, you could be adding as much as 100 calories per ounce of cheese since it's rare that you will eat just one ounce at a time," Smithson says. OK. This content does not have an Arabic version. However, these cheeses, as well as other soft cheeses and cheeses made with unpasteurized milk, are best avoided by people with weakened immune systems, older adults, pregnant women, infants and young children. All rights reserved. Accessed Aug. 28, 2018. what happens if I eat bad cheese?