what happens when you eat moldy cheese

Eating moldy cheese can sometimes cause food poisoning , especially if it’s a soft cheese or the mold has spread beyond the visible spot. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever or chills.

What to know

• Hard cheeses : If only a small area is moldy, cutting away at least about 1 inch around and below the mold is often considered safe, because mold doesn’t spread as easily through dense cheese.

• Soft, shredded, sliced, or crumbly cheeses : These should usually be thrown out if mold appears, because mold and bacteria can spread through the whole product.

• Why it can be risky : Moldy cheese may also carry harmful bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli, and Brucella.

If you already ate some

If you ate a small amount and feel fine, it may pass without any problem. If you develop vomiting, severe stomach pain, persistent diarrhea, fever, or trouble breathing , seek medical care promptly.

Quick rule

If you’re unsure, when in doubt, throw it out —especially for soft cheeses.