AboutCarol Schlitt Expertise I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).
Experience I am an Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety. I am a certified HACCP manager and a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Organizations International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Society for Nutrition Education.
Education/Credentials BS - University of Illinois
MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
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.
