Blue cheese crumbles, also known as blue cheese chunks, are small pieces of blue cheese used to add flavor to salads, burgers, pasta dishes and more. Blue cheese gets its distinct flavor from being inoculated with mold spores during the aging process. This gives the cheese a tangy, pungent taste.
Like many dairy products, blue cheese crumbles come with a printed expiration or “use by” date on the packaging. This date indicates how long the manufacturer guarantees the best quality and flavor of the unopened product.
However, expiration dates are not always a definitive indicator of whether a food is safe to eat or not. So what about blue cheese crumbles past their date? Can you eat expired blue cheese crumbles safely?
There are a few factors to consider when determining if expired blue cheese crumbles are still ok to eat. This article will dive into the details around shelf life, safety, quality and signs of spoilage to help you decide if your blue cheese is good or time to toss.
How Long Does Blue Cheese Last?
The shelf life of blue cheese depends on a variety of factors, including the type of blue cheese, how it was produced and how it is stored after opening.
In general, commercially packaged blue cheese crumbles have a printed expiration date of about 6 months from the production date if kept refrigerated and unopened.
However, like many cheeses, blue cheese may still be safe to eat for several weeks or even months beyond this date depending on storage conditions. The expiration date is simply an indication of peak quality rather than safety.
Here are some general guidelines for how long different types of blue cheese can last:
Unopened blue cheese crumbles:
– Refrigerator: About 6 months past the printed expiration date
– Freezer: Up to 1 year for best quality
Opened blue cheese crumbles:
– Refrigerator: About 3-4 weeks after opening
– Freezer: About 6 months for best quality
Proper storage is key to maximizing the shelf life of blue cheese past its expiration date. Make sure to keep blue cheese crumbles tightly sealed, stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Freezing is another great option to prolong freshness and prevent mold growth. Simply store the crumbles in an airtight container or freezer bag after opening.
Is it Safe to Eat Expired Blue Cheese?
Eating expired blue cheese crumbles comes with some safety risks to be aware of. As blue cheese ages past its peak, it provides more opportunities for harmful bacteria like listeria or E. coli to grow and multiply.
These bacteria are usually eliminated during the cheese making process. But over time and with improper storage, they can reach unsafe levels in expired products.
Consuming contaminated blue cheese could potentially lead to foodborne illness or infection. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headache and stomach cramps.
Some people are at greater risk for complications from foodborne infections. This includes young children, seniors, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems. These groups should be especially cautious about eating expired blue cheese crumbles.
That being said, an expired date alone does not necessarily mean the blue cheese crumbles are unsafe to eat. If stored properly in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, blue cheese can potentially last for weeks after opening without going bad.
Use your best judgment checking for signs of spoilage. When in doubt, remember – “When in doubt, throw it out!” Discard the product if it smells bad, looks moldy or just seems off.
How to Tell if Blue Cheese Crumbles Have Gone Bad
There are a few simple ways to tell if your blue cheese crumbles have spoiled and may not be safe to eat anymore:
Appearance
– Mold growth. This is different than the blue veining in the cheese which is safe. Look for fuzzy mold on the surface, usually white, green or black.
– Drying out. Cheese that is dried out, shriveled up or hard has typically gone bad. Properly stored cheese should be moist.
– Unusual spots or colors. Green, black, or pink discoloration can be a sign of mold or bacteria growth.
Texture
– Soft or slimy consistency. Fresh blue cheese should be firm and crumbly.
– Hardening. If the cheese feels rubbery or stiff this indicates it is old.
Smell
– Rancid or “off” odor. Blue cheese naturally has a strong smell, but it should never smell rotten.
– Ammonia-like smell. This is caused by the growth of bacteria which give off ammonia gas.
– Moldy smell. If it smells musty or moldy, it’s best not to eat it.
If you notice any of these warning signs it’s best to play it safe and discard the blue cheese crumbles. Consuming spoiled cheese could potentially cause a foodborne illness.
Will Expired Blue Cheese Make You Sick?
Eating small amounts of expired blue cheese is unlikely to make you sick. But there are certain risks associated with consuming blue cheese crumbles past their expiration date:
– Increased bacteria. Harmful bacteria like E. coli and Listeria can multiply, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Properly stored, this takes several weeks.
– Foodborne infection. Consuming contaminated blue cheese could lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headaches, etc. Those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe complications.
– Toxins from molds. Some molds like Penicillium roqueforti used in blue cheese are safe. But others can produce mycotoxins leading to illness. Visible surface mold is a sign to discard.
– Minor side effects. At worst, eating expired blue cheese could cause temporary digestive upset like stomach pains, bloating, gas or nausea in some people.
The older the blue cheese gets past its expiration, and the more improperly it was stored, the more risky it is consume. But the product should exhibit noticeable signs of spoilage like mold or a rancid smell before it becomes hazardous.
It’s unlikely consuming a small amount of expired cheese that was refrigerated properly will make you ill. But it’s better to be safe than sorry when health is on the line. If in doubt, remember it’s best to just throw it out.
How to Safely Handle and Store Blue Cheese
Proper handling and storage is key to keeping blue cheese fresh and safe to eat. Here are some tips for maximizing the shelf life of your blue cheese crumbles after opening:
– Refrigerate promptly after purchase below 40°F, or freeze for longer storage. Thaw frozen cheese in the refrigerator before using.
– Keep tightly sealed in the original packaging or an airtight container. Limit exposure to air and moisture.
– Store in the coldest section of the refrigerator, not the door. Avoid temperature fluctuations.
– Use clean utensils when taking portions to avoid introducing bacteria. Never use your fingers.
– Wrap or reseal opened packages tightly. Press out excess air before sealing.
– Avoid cross-contaminating foods by keeping blue cheese separate from other items, especially ready-to-eat foods.
– Consume within 3-4 weeks after opening for best safety and quality. Discard if mold grows or it smells unpleasant.
– Don’t eat if ingredients have visibly separated or liquid is present. This is a sign of spoilage.
Following proper food safety practices helps minimize the risks when consuming perishable dairy products like blue cheese. While an expired product may still be fine, it’s better to be cautious to avoid potential foodborne illness.
The Bottom Line
While expired blue cheese crumbles may still be safe to eat if properly stored, they are at higher risk of harboring harmful bacteria that could cause foodborne illness.
The older blue cheese gets past its printed expiration date, the more questionable its safety becomes, especially if it was not stored at correct refrigerator temperatures below 40°F (4°C).
Look for signs of spoilage like mold growth, slime formation, dried out texture and foul odors which indicate the blue cheese has gone bad. When in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe than sick and discard the product.
To maximize shelf life, keep blue cheese sealed and properly refrigerated or frozen. Handle with clean utensils, limiting air exposure. Consume preferably within 4 weeks after opening. Following proper food safety practices helps reduce the risks when eating aged blue cheese.
While the expiration date is a helpful guide, your senses are the best tool for determining if your blue cheese crumbles have crossed the line from tangy treat to potential hazard. If it smells funky or looks moldy beyond the blue veining, err on the side of caution and toss it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you eat expired blue cheese?
Eating a small amount of expired blue cheese that was properly stored is unlikely to cause illness. However, the older it is past expiration, the more likely it may contain higher levels of harmful bacteria that could lead to foodborne illness if consumed. Always inspect and smell blue cheese before eating to check for signs of spoilage.
Can blue cheese make you sick?
Properly made, handled and stored blue cheese should not make you sick. However, consuming blue cheese with high levels of contaminating bacteria could potentially lead to food poisoning or infection. To prevent this, handle cheese safely and discard if expired, moldy or has an unpleasant odor.
How can you tell if blue cheese has gone bad?
Signs that indicate blue cheese has spoiled include mold growth beyond the blue veining, a slimy or dried out texture, an ammonia-like or rotten smell, separation of ingredients, or an unusual appearance. Always inspect cheese carefully and rely on your senses when determining if it is still fresh or time to toss.
What happens if you eat moldy blue cheese?
It is not recommended to eat moldy blue cheese. Some molds like the P. roqueforti used in blue cheese production are safe. However, other molds can produce toxic mycotoxins that could make you sick if ingested. Visible mold growth beyond the normal blue veining is a sign the cheese should be discarded.
Can I freeze expired blue cheese?
Freezing can extend the shelf life of blue cheese past the printed expiration date. To freeze, store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before use. However, do not freeze cheese that shows signs of spoilage like mold or an off smell. Consume thawed cheese within a short period for best safety and quality.