smell or texture, these could be signs of spoilage beyond mold, such as bacterial growth, which is not safe to consume. In cases where the cheese may have been improperly stored or left at room temperature for extended periods, err on the side of caution and dispose of the cheese.
7. Food Safety Rules: What The USDA And Experts Actually Recommend
The USDA provides guidelines for food safety that include recommendations for handling moldy cheese. For hard cheeses like cheddar, the USDA advises cutting away the moldy part with a margin of at least 1 inch around it. For soft cheeses, the recommendation is to discard the entire product if mold is present.
These guidelines are based on the potential for mold to penetrate soft cheeses and the relatively low risk when trimming hard cheeses. Following these recommendations helps ensure that you minimize health risks while reducing food waste.
