Is It Safe to Cut Mold Off Cheese, or Should You Discard It Completely?

We've all experienced it: reaching into the fridge for a quick cheese snack, only to find that your favorite cheese has gone moldy. While there are plenty of tips to extend the freshness of cheese, it's almost inevitable that at some point, you'll face this unfortunate situation.

So, what should you do if you don't want to throw away a piece of cheese that's a bit moldy? Many people opt to simply cut away the moldy parts—but is that really a safe solution? We spoke to cheese and health experts to find out.

What Are the Signs of Moldy Cheese?

According to Mitizi D. Baum, CEO of Stop Foodborne Illness, moldy cheese can show signs such as green and white mold or pink yeast slime. The white and green mold may become slightly fuzzy. You might also notice black or gray spots, which are also forms of mold. Always check for changes in taste, unusual smells (sour or stronger than normal), textures, and discoloration.

Certain cheeses like Roquefort, blue cheese, and gorgonzola naturally contain mold and are perfectly safe to eat. However, other types of cheese should be free from mold. Trust your instincts—if something about the cheese feels off, it probably is.

Is It Safe to Remove Mold from Cheese?

While it's generally not safe to eat moldy cheese, mold also imparts an undesirable taste. 'If the mold is limited to small, spotty areas, you can safely cut off the moldy parts, removing about ¼ inch beneath the surface,' advises Dean Sommer, Senior Team Member and Cheese & Food Technologist at The Center for Dairy Research.

If the mold has spread significantly through the cheese, it's best to discard it. Registered dietitian nutritionist Vandana Sheth explains that for hard and semi-hard cheeses (like Cheddar, Swiss, or Parmesan), you can cut out the mold, but take care not to contaminate the rest with the mold or knife. Soft cheeses like brie, camembert, ricotta, or cream cheese should be thrown away if mold has penetrated them deeply.

How to Store Cheese to Prevent Mold

After removing the mold, Sheth suggests placing the freshly cut cheese in a clean container and storing it in the fridge at 40°F or lower. The best way to prevent mold on newly bought cheese is to store it properly. Wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper to keep moisture out and place it in a refrigerator drawer. For more tips, check our guide on how long different cheeses last in the fridge to know the best practices for storing your cheese.