A bag of shredded mozzarella cheese was in my refrigerator. The door to the refrigerator was left partially open overnight. Can I still use this cheese or should I discard it?
Can refrigerated shredded mozzarella cheese go bad if the refrigerator door was left open overnight?
Add a comment
|
4 Answers
Almost certainly the cheese is fine, but it may grow moldy a bit faster than it would have otherwise. Just use it sooner rather than later (within a couple of days if you can). Check it for mold before each use, and throw away the whole bag if it shows any sign of mold or otherwise being "off".
answered Oct 20, 2014 at 14:03
-
If it's a large bag, you can freeze portions of it, and then thaw out what you'd need for the next couple of days' cooking.– JoeOct 20, 2014 at 14:05
-
This study shows that nearly one quarter of all refrigerators operate at an average temperature which exceeds [edited] the optimum average temperature of 5°C or 41°F (the FDA recommends 4°C or 40°F). So even with the door of your frig opened and closed the proper percentage(s) of the time, already there's a risk that the temperature of your cheese was less than optimal for normal preservation.
Bottom line is this though. The USDA says all soft cheeses, including mozzarella (by its definition), should be discarded any time it's spent two or more hours (same link) above 40°F. So bearing in mind what's revealed of refrigerator temps above (first sentence), there's simply no question that you're taking a risk if you think to consume the product you describe.
-
Mozzarella isn't actually a soft cheese, it's semi-soft, also generally low-moisture. If there is no mold or any other sign of spoilage the risk under these circumstances would be microscopic.– Jolenealaska ♦Oct 20, 2014 at 15:15
-
1
-
The study you cited says that the optimum temperature is 0-5C, not 4-5C, and that nearly 1/4 of refrigerators are above that, not below it.– Cascabel ♦Oct 21, 2014 at 3:59
-
-
Yes, Jolenealaska, I was surprised to see it on the USDA list as a soft cheese; it was probably just too much trouble [for them] to make the further distinction you raise. Thanks. Oct 21, 2014 at 20:27
It could, but the preshredded stuff is usually low moisture to start with. That cuts spoilage rate. Besides, the dairy aisle coolers from which the stuff is sold are often effectively refrigerators with the door left open themselves.
answered Oct 20, 2014 at 14:06
-
Yes, but store display cases are specifically built to maintain a set temperature w/ no door on it. Your home fridge isn't. The low moisture bit is a good point, though.– JoeOct 20, 2014 at 15:20
Cheese sits out for years.
I may think that the processed cheese may go bad, but never over night. It is crazy to even think that. You could probably leave it out for a day or two and it still would be good. I have left it out for that long many times and never got sick.
Cheese was left out for years hanging from the ceiling before refrigerators were even thought of, so go ahead and eat it with your crackers or by itself - my thoughts.
-
Hello joe, welcome to the site! I have suggested an edit to your post to make it easier to read. We want to encourage nice style because we are not just answering a question now, but are building a knowledge-base for future reference.– Stephie ♦Dec 20, 2014 at 17:12