Is expired cream cheese safe to eat?
Quick Answer
No
Expired cream cheese is not safe to eat and can lead to food poisoning. Bacteria and molds may grow on it after the expiration date.
What Is It?
Cream cheese is a soft, usually mild-tasting fresh cheese made from milk and cream. The term ‘expired’ refers to food that has passed its ‘best before’ or ‘use by’ date.
How to Tell
Signs of spoiled cream cheese include a sour smell, mold growth, and a change in color or texture.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating expired cream cheese can pose several health risks.
- Food poisoning: This can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Listeria: This bacteria can cause a serious infection, especially in pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Safe Method?
Always check the expiration date before consuming cream cheese. If it’s past the date or shows signs of spoilage, it’s best to throw it away.
Can You Just Cut It Off?
If only a small part of the cream cheese is moldy, it’s still not safe to eat the rest. Mold can spread throughout the cheese, even if it’s not visible.
Safe Alternatives
If you don’t have fresh cream cheese, you can use alternatives such as ricotta cheese, mascarpone, or Greek yogurt.
Storage Tips
Keep cream cheese in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below.’, ‘Once opened, use cream cheese within 10 days for best quality.