Expert: Carol Schlitt - 10/7/2006

Question
I accidently ate one pre-cut slice of cracker barrel cheese which had grown some nasty looking mold.  I noticed a sweet taste when eating a second piece and spit it out.  When I turned the lights on, I saw the cheese was really moldy on the bottom half of the slice.  Black spots, etc.  I ate this slice about 36 hours ago.  Should I call my doctor?  So far, I feel fine.

Answer
Hi Judy,

Mold on cheese that's not part of the manufacturing process can harbor harmful bacteria, such as listeria, brucella, salmonella and E. coli. This is why we don't recommend consuming foods with mold.

With hard and semi-soft cheese, you can cut away the moldy part and eat the rest of the cheese. But soft cheeses should be discarded.  

If after 36 hours you have noticed no symptoms, it is probable that you will not become ill. If the cheese were made from raw milk, then your chances of bacterial problems would be greatly increased.

A good resource on mold on foods (when to pitch, when to keep) is the following:  http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Molds_On_Food/index.asp

Good luck Judy.  If I can be of further assistance, please let me know.

Carol C. Schlitt
Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness
University of Illinois Extension