Can I cut mold off cheese and still safely eat it?
While cheese-makers use cultured molds to make cheese – mold gives Brie and Camembert their delicious edible rinds – not all cheese mold is edible. Some molds cause spoilage by growing on the surface of cheese. They produce streaks of discoloration, clumps of blue, green or white fuzzy looking growths – these molds are bad and unsafe to eat! • If mold forms on hard or firm cheese (e.g., cheddar, parmesan), generously trim off mold plus 2.5 cm (1 inch) of cheese surrounding it (be careful to keep your knife clean of mold); wrap the trimmed cheese in new wax/plastic wrap and refrigerate. • Discard fresh cheese, soft cheese (e.g., feta, brie, camembert) and processed cheese that is moldy. It is difficult to judge how far the mold has penetrated – so do not keep it, or eat it. To prevent mold growth on cheese, refrigerate cheese sealed in its original packaging, until ready to use. Once opened, wrap the cheese tightly in waxed paper or plastic wrap and keep refrigerated. If moisture has condensed on the cheese, wipe it off with a clean paper towel before rewrapping.
I left some cottage cheese out for 3 hours. Is it safe to eat?
No, it is not safe to eat. When perishable foods like cottage cheese are left at room temperature for longer than 2 hours bacteria can develop that cause foodborne illness.
How many days past the 'best before' date is yogurt safe to eat?
It will be safe for many days after the date stamped on the container but you may not want to eat it. The date is a 'best before' date and it indicates how long the yogurt will retain its freshness and high quality if properly handled and stored. After that date, there will be a gradual loss of flavor, texture, and nutrients so use it up as quickly as possible. Use My Handy Chart on the website for other storage info.
Is butter kept at room temperature safe to eat? Or should butter be refrigerated?
Butter should be kept refrigerated. When it is left for too long a period at room temperature, it will develop a rancid taste. Also, keep butter in its original wrapper to prevent spoilage that may result from exposure to light and air.
How long is it safe to keep cream and heavy cream in the refrigerator after it has been opened?
For optimum quality and food safety, cream should be used by the 'best before' date. However, once opened the storage life depends on how the cream has been stored and handled by the consumer.
Should young children eat Brie cheese?
It is recommended that pregnant women, older adults and people with weakened immune systems or who are at higher risk for foodborne disease do not eat soft cheeses such as Brie unless they are labelled as made with pasteurized milk. This may apply to young children, depending on their age and health. For more information read CFIA’s fact sheet on Listeria.
I opened a jar of apple butter and put it back in the cupboard for 24 hours. Is it still ok to eat?
Unfortunately, the apple butter should be discarded. Perishable foods if left at room temperature for longer than two hours can potentially contain organisms that can spoil the food or cause foodborne illness.
Is it safe to eat ice cream after it has melted and then refrozen?
No, it is not recommended to eat thawed ice cream. Ice cream is a perishable food product that needs to be kept frozen. If it was thawed in a freezer that lost power it may have spoiled and/or may harbour microorganisms that cause foodborne illness. Also, the taste and texture of the ice cream after refreezing may not be palatable.
I left a new container of yogurt in the trunk of my car for several hours and it was quite warm. It is my understanding that yogurt does not really "spoil". Can still I refrigerate it and safely eat it?
No, you need to discard the yogurt. It is a perishable food that requires refrigeration. Opened yogurt should be used within 7 to 10 days.
I read on your Q and A page that cream cheese cannot be left out. Does it make a difference if the package has never been opened ?
Cream cheese is a perishable dairy product and must be kept refrigerated whether the package has been opened or not.
- I forgot to put my cheese in the fridge last night after going grocery shopping and woke up to find it on the counter. It was only out of the fridge for about 9-10 hours, and it's in a sealed package. Is it still safe to eat?
- Discard the cheese. It may no longer be safe to consume as it was left in the danger zone temperature for more than two hours. Check out the fact sheet on chilling on this web site for more information.
- I ate some cheddar cheese and then noticed that it had a spot of mold. If I ingested some will it make me sick, and if so what are the symptoms?
- Ii is unlikely that you will be sick over consuming a very small quantity of mold as you described if you did consume any. Some mold found on foods may produce some toxins that could cause mild diarrhea if ingested in appreciable quantity which would not be your case here.
- I accidentally left an unopened large slab of parmesan cheese out of fridge for several hours after it had been refrigerated. Can it still be eaten?
- Remember the two hour rule. If perishable food such as the parmesan cheese has been left in the danger zone temperature (room temperature) for more that two hours, it may not be safe to eat. When in doubt, throw it out.
- My husband left out the small block of fresh parmesan last night and I accidently served a small portion of it to my children on their pasta today for lunch. Could this harm them in anyway? Needless to say, they are both running fevers right now...I'm guessing it's just coincidence because they did not eat that much of it, but curious what your thoughts are on this. Thank You, Karyn
- Because the cheese was left in the danger zone temperature, pathogenic microorganisms could cause foodbourne illness in your children. At the first signs of illness, diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, etc, please contact your doctor as soon as possible. Don't take any chances.
- How long does crumbled Blue Cheese stay fresh? How do you know whether Blue Cheese is "spoiled" or not, since molding is a natural part of it's aging process?
- The Best Before Date is a good guide to how long crumbled blue cheese can be refrigerated or two to three weeks. After that date, there will be loss of flavor and texture.
- I recently bought a large pack of yogurt cups and left them on the kitchen counter overnight had someone tell me that it has to be warmed to spoil and room temperature did not hurt it...true or should I throw it away?
- Please discard the yogurt. It has been in the danger zone temperature for more than two hours. Room temperature is an ideal temperature for food bourne pathogens to multiply or develop toxins which can cause illness. Check out my fact sheets on chill!
- If yogurt is pasteurized and vacuum sealed, how can germs or bacteria grow in an unopened container?
- Pasteurization reduces harmful bacteria. It does not sterilize yogourt. Competition takes place between lactic acid bacteria that fermented the milk and other microflora. We could think of molds and yeasts. Once the lactic acid bacteria dies off, spores of molds and yeast could developed and take over. Those microorganisms can still cause changes in quality after the Best Before Date.
- I had my cream cheese in the fridge, and I think the fuse blew over night. It was still cold this morning though, is it still okay to eat. Or does it have to be kept at a certain temp all the time?
- Cream cheese should be kept at or below the safe refrigerator temperature of 4 degrees C/40 degrees F. If stored at a higher temperature for longer than two hours, throw it away.
- Dear Mrs. Cookwell, Because mold is part of some cheeses we buy (blue cheese, etc.), it makes me wonder whether some molds that grow on cheeses after we buy them are also fine to eat, even if some are not. I've noticed, for example, that the mold that grows on parmesan and padano cheese (especially if it's already grated) smells and tastes like gorgonzola. Thank you!
- The molds that are used in the production of cheeses like Blue, Gorgonzola, Stilton, etc. are specially cultured molds, done so in a controlled environment. Unfortunately, our refridgerators is not one of those controlled environments and the molds that we might find on cheeses in our fridge are causing spoilage of the cheese, not adding flavor. These molds are unsafe to eat and may be producing poisons called mycotoxins which become part of the food and are not destroyed by cooking.
If mold is on a hard cheese such as cheddar, it can be cut away plus one inch of cheese surrounding it. If mold is growing on a fresh cheese like cream cheese, cottage cheese or on soft cheese such as Brie, discard it.
- I purchased some precrumble blue cheese at a big box store. I opened it to use and one week later I looked and there was mold all over it. It has been refrigerated the whole time and is not even near it's date. Would it be unsafe to cook with it?
- Do not consume the cheese, even though it has not reached the best before date. For some reason, it has been contaminated with mold spores and these do grow slowly at refrigeration temperatures. Wrap the cheese well and discard. Cooking it will not make it safe.
- I have had had cream cheese in my fridge since April and it is now September. Is it safe to use it because it was never opened?!?
- If properly refrigerated, an unopened package of cream cheese is good 1 month past the Best When Purchased By date on the carton. Once opened cream cheese should be used within 10 days.
- a piece of mozzerella string cheese was left out overnight. Can I still eat it?
- No, do not eat the string cheese. It is a perishable food that requires refrigeration for storage. And now, it has been left at room temperature for more than two hour so it may not be safe to eat.
- How long can unwrapped butter be stored in the fridge.
- Recommended storage time for butter once the package is opened is 7 days. If it is unsalted butter, it will keep for 3 weeks once opened.
- Hi Mrs. Cookwell! How long after the expiry date can we consume partly skimmed milk with lan extended shelf-life? Can we still use it refrigerated or should we keep it to make milk base recipes? (re: pancakes). Thanks.
- The date on the package is likely a best before date which is a guide for optimum quality. Providing the milk has been properly handled and stored (refrigerated), it can be safely used beyond that date. You will be able to tell its beyond using once it develops the sour milk odour.
- My package of Kraft Swiss Cheese (expires in Jan.2007)has blown up like a balloon. Is it safe to use in a quiche?
- This a question best answered by Kraft Canada. There toll-free number is 1-800-567-KRAFT (5723). Or go their web site at www.kraftcanada.com
- I bought a large package of individually wrapped string cheese at a warehouse store. Upon opening the package, I noticed that many of the cheeses had lost their uniform shape and looked a little mashed/twisted. I opened one and noticed a small amount of milky residue on the package, but no odor or discoloration. Is there a way to tell if a cheese product has not been stored properly prior to purchase? Does the appearance I'm describing suggest improper storage? Thanks!
- My best advice for you is to contact the manufacturer of the cheese. Check the package for a toll free number or website. Be prepared to provide the code information from the package so the manufacturer is able track the product if necessary. And, you can return the product to the store where it was purchased.
- Hi. My 5 year old daughter goes to kindergarten. I prepare for her some snacks that contain often dairy products (milk, yoghurt or cheese) that I put in a thermos bag with a ice pack. Unfortunately, for practical reasons (I was told), her snacks end up outside her thermos bag and stay a room temperature for 1 and a half to 2 hours. Is this acceptable and safe? Thank you!
- I think that you have a right to be concerned about the kindergarten removing the perishable snacks from the thermos bag. I recommend that perishable food not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. The kindergarten is still in the safety zone but very close to the two hours. They don't know how long that food may already have been at room temperature
- I bought a large tub of feta cheese, and it has been sitting in my refrigerator for several weeks. It's kept in the salt water it came in and smells fine, is it still alright to eat? How long will feta keep?
- The recommended storage time for feta cheese is about 2 weeks or according to date on the packaging.
- Can I mail Colby cheese to England, which takes about 10 days without refrigeration and still be good to eat
- Colby cheese is a firm cheese like cheddar and should be kept refrigerated. So if you shipped it to England, the quality would be affected and there could be contamination with harmful bacteria.
- Mrs. Cookwell, I have a 6 year old son who likes to take sweet rice to school in his lunch. It is made with canned milk. I usually heat it up before I put it in his thermos. I pour hot water into his thermos first to heat it up like the directions say, but my sister told me it was unsafe for him to take this in his lunch. She also told me it is unsafe to send him hot chocolate in his thermos because I make our hot chocolate with milk and hersheys syrup. Could you please tell me if this is okay or not? We use a crayola thermos for kids thanks for your time Tammi and Alex
- Your sister may be right. This may not be safe if the food in the thermos does not stay piping hot 74C/165F. You can test that. Prepare your thermos as you would nomally do and fill with rice as warm as normal. Let stand the amount of time before eaten by your son then measure the temperature of the rice with a food thermometer. It should be the above temperature. Then run the same test with hot chocolate. Of course, any leftovers brought home from school should be discarded.
- I have packages of danish brie and danish camembert - but they expired over a year ago - the package has never been opened - still looks fine when i opened it - is it still safe to eat?
- You cannot see contamination with harmful bacteria or some types of spoilage. These cheeses should definitely not be consumed one year after the expiry or Best Before Date.
- I have a slab of parmesan in the fridge. It hasn't been wrapped too tightly and parts of the cheese have turned white. it doesn't smell or look like mold. is it still ok to eat?
- Because it has not been wrapped tightly, the white may be mould or just dryness from exposure. Just removed before the rest of the cheese is used. Scrape it off or cut off 2.5 cm (1 inch) around the white portion.Wipe the remaining cheese with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Then wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before storing in the refrigerator.
- I bought a round of brie cheese at the store, it was not refrigerated, so I didn't refrigerate at home. Is it safe to eat?
- To preserve its quality and safety, brie cheese should normally be kept refrigerated both at the store and at home. In your case, discuss it with the store where you bought the cheese.
- if miracle whip was left out on kitchen table for 4 hours can it still be used safely for anything?
- Discard your Miracle Whip. Once opened it can safely be left at room temperature for only 1 to 2 hours.
- I left a pumpkin roll out overnight that has a cream cheese / butter / powdered sugar mixture. Is this now bad to eat?
- Yes, it may be bad to eat. Any roll with a cream cheese/butter filling or frosting should be kept refrigerated.
- I woke up in the morning to find that my freezer door was opened and had been open all night (7-8 hours). I had frozen raw meats (poultry, steak, ground beef), pre-cooked frozen dinners, ice cream, and margarine inside. Are these items still okay to consume?
- The ice cream should be discarded. If the temperature in the freezer did not rise above 4 degrees C/40 degrees F, the other items would be safe to consume. If the meats and frozen dinners contained ice crystals, they could be refrozen.
- Hi! I have a question on milk shelf life. Even if the milk has been sterilized, it expires; why? How can we explain that in a molecular point of view. Thank you!
- The expiry date on a food is an indication where the manufacturer will guarantee that is product will be at its upmost quality, even if sterilized. However, in a sterilized product, the expiry date could be much further away than a similar pasteurized product. After the expiry date, product breakdown could take place due to environmental factors such as light. It is well known that vitamins and some milk nutrients are sensitive to light and would breakdown faster if exposed. With time, milk components can separate. You could have fat substances of the milk that would stick on the walls of the container. This will go much fater once the container is opened. Proteins would breakdown and fat would turn rancid and you don't always need bacteria for this to happen.
- How long will a cheese fondue be edible after I make it? Thanks!
- Cheese fondue should be kept warm and eaten as soon as it is made as the fondue thickens very quickly. Do not save leftovers because it does not reheat successfully and it may be contamined with bacteria by those dipping in their forks
- I'm having a party and i will be serving cream cheese dip... How long can i leave that out on the table?
- When serving a cream cheese dip, set the serving bowl on ice, if possible, and never leave on the table longer than two hours.
- i left cream cheese to use on a carrot cake on the counter for about 5 hours is it still safe to use on the cake.i froze the cake right away.
- If cream cheese is left on the counter at room temperature longer than two hours, it may not be safe to use.
- I left my 'odwalla' protein drink in my car last night, and it is milk based. It's unopened, and I bought it at night. The temperature was between 42 and 46 degrees fahrenheit, and dark the whole time... can i still drink it? I probably will anyway, but i'd like a head's up :-)
- Well, I guess that you are anticipating an answer that will not be in your favour. How is the product packaged? How is it offered for sale? Is it in a can or a tetra pack type of a container offered for sale on the store shelves at room temperature or is is in a container such a glass or milk container offered for sale refrigerated? If it is the first case, I would say that it should be safe to drink. In the the second case, it probably needed refrigeration all the time and in your case it was above 4 degrees C /40 degrees F for more than two hours. It should be thrown out then.
- i have leftover fontina, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese that i put into a zip loc bag for little over a week in my refrigerator. it's totally fine to eat, right? on average, how much longer can these be refrigerated before they go bad?
- Generally speaking, hard cheeses can be stored longer than soft cheeses. Each cheese should be packaged in a separate zip loc bag. The parmesan can be refrigerated about 10 months. The fontina cheese could be refrigerated 2 to 3 weeks and the mozzarella for 1 week. But check for signs of mould.
- How long does pumpkin rolls stay good
- If the pumpkin roll is a sponge type of cake filled or frosted, it can be safely refrigerated 1-2 days..
- (sorry if this was answered already, I didn't see any though) Can already grated parmesan cheese that comes in the little plastic shaker cans be left out of the fridge? The package says 'refrigerate after purchase', but under that it says 'serving suggestion'. So, I'm wondering if it can be left out. Thank you!
- Once opened, parmesan cheese packed in a plastic shaker should be refrigerated. After using, refrigerate as soon as possible or within two hours.
- Why is it that milk that is added to uncooked frosting does not go bad?
- Except for those with a glaze, baked goods frosted or filled with a frosting made with milk or cream should be kept refrigerated to prevent spoilage or the development of harmful bacteria.
- How long does pumpkin roll last when taken from a freezer and unthawed in the fridge.
- If the pumpkin roll is a sponge type of cake filled or frosted, it can be safely refrigerated 1-2 days..
- How long can raw milk be kept in a stainless steel container? is that the best type container to keep it in...for say ...up to a week? Thanks
- It is not clear as of what you want to do with the raw milk as I surely do not support nor recommend the consumption of raw milk due to the potential presence of harmful bacteria. Keep it one day, keeping it up to a week in the refrigerator will not eliminate the potential of food poisoning. If you still want to store it, the container should be clearly identified and out of reach of children.
- How long can you keep carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and it be safe to eat? Thank you, Donna
- Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting should be kept refrigerated and used or frozen within two days.
- I would like to take some Brie cheese is my luggage for a three hour flight would it survive in the baggage compartment?
- Brie cheese should not be left at room temperature for longer than two hours. Unless there is a way the airline can guarantee the temperature will be 4 C/40 F or below during loading and the flight and that your baggage will not be lost, the Brie should not be taken on the plane.
- i bought a red velvet cake with cream cheese icing four days ago for my husbands' b-day. About one hour later he started feeling nauseatic and then vomited at least three times throughout the night. He also had diahhrea. He is still experiencing nausea. What should we do and could this really be from the cake?
- Your husband's symptoms are similar to those which can be produced by harmful bacteria or their toxins. If he doesn't improve, he should see a doctor. As for the cause, cream cheese icing is a perishable food. But it could be another food consumed within the 72 hours before he got sick.
- I have discovered some blacks spots on a block of fresh cheddar cheese. When cutting across the slice, I discovered small brownish granules or crumbs. What could that be? I have just opened the package that was vacuum packed.
- The black spots may be mold, however, I am unsure what the brownish granules may be. I recommend that you return the cheese to the store where you purchased it.
- Can Betty Crocker frosting that expired 8 months ago still be used safely?
- If this is a best before date on the product, I recommend not using it. But for more information specific to the product contact Betty Crocker
www.bettycrocker.com
- Is Kraft Miracle Whip safe to use if it freezes?
- The salad dressing will be safe to eat if it has been frozen as long as it is kept in the refrigerator. You may find that the texture of the dressing is not as good.
- How long does an opened container of partly skimmed milk will keep in the refrigerator?
- The best before date on milk cartons indicates how long the unopened product will retain its freshness and high quality. Once opened the best before date no longer applies and the storage life depends on how the milk has been stored and handled in the home. It is easy to tell when milk has spoiled by the sour taste and odour.
- How long after the best before date on yogourt is it safe to eat without getting sick,the container has not been opened and has been refrigerated. days? weeks? 1 month?
- The best before date on a product such a yogurt is a guide for optimum quality of that product. Providing it has been properly handled and stored, the product can safely be used after the best before date. Ideally, you should consume the food before it has reached its best before date.
- How long does the little fresh mozzarella cheese balls stay fresh in the fridge after buying them from the deli?
- This semi-soft cheese can be refrigerated two to three weeks.
- My refrigerator, at its highest setting, is keeping an air temperature of 44 degrees. Is that safe?
- No, 44 degrees F is not a safe temperature. The recommended temperature for refrigerating foods safely is 40 degrees F /4 degrees C or below. Above that there is a higher risk for the growth of harmful bacteria.
- Is an unopened jar of miracle whip past the best before date still safe to eat?
- That would depend on how far past the Best Before Date the product is. Initially it would gradually lose quality. But then rancidity may develop.
- How long can provolone cheese from a deli be kept in the refrigerator and still be safe to eat?
- Provolone cheese is a firm cheese which can be safely refrigerated for five weeks.
- Can cottage cheese be eaten past its expiry date?
- Cottage cheese has a relatively short shelf life. Use the Best Before Date as a guide. After that date, depending on how it has been handled and refrigerated, there will be a gradual loss of quality and harmful bacteria or mould may develop. Once opened, use within three days.
- How long after the best before date is a jar of miracle whip still safe to eat? I phoned Kraft about this and they gave the usual we don't recommend consuming the product after the best before date as it's taste and texture may not be as good, but when pressed would not tell me how long it could be safely consumed after the best before date. The reason I ask this question is I purchased a quantity of the product when they were on sale and I misjudged how quickly I would consume the Miracle Whip and I have a couple of unopened jars left. Thanks in advance.
- Mrs. Cookwell would agree with the information you received from the food producer. They are certain their product will be of top quality and safe until the Best Before Date. After that there will be a gradual loss of quality and how quickly this will happen varies. Because it contains oil, the product may develop a rancid flavour which does make some people sick.
- When should you throw out a container of Kraft French Onion Dip that has been opened but kept in the fridge.
- If you are asking about an opened cream cheese dip, it can be refrigerated 10 days.
- I ate some Camembert cheese that was expired a week ago. Is there a risk of listeriosis?
- There is always a risk of listeria being present in soft cheeses, including Camembert. Because listeria continues to multiply at refrigerator temperatures, the risk would increase with the age of the cheese. If you are in good health, it is unlikely that you would suffer from listeriosis comparing to high risk individuals such as pregnant women, seniors, children and patients that would have a weak immune system.
- How long can refrigerated, used (half of it has been eaten), brie be safely eaten if stored in the original packaging and put inside a ziploc bag?
- As a soft cheese, brie can be safely refrigerated for one week.
- I am on a new diet that requires cheese once a day. I travel for a living and hope you can help me discover the best way to travel with those small packages of mozzarella string cheese. If I can't keep them in a refrigerator, what is the best way to keep them cold while I travel? Can you freeze them?
- Cheese should only be frozen for later use as an ingredient in cooking. Sometimes when cheese is thawed, there may be a change in its appearance or texture. So keep it at refrigeration temperature while you travel. Use an insulated lunch bag with a frozen freezer pack or frozen juice box.
- How long would it take for yogurt to mold if not refrigerated?
- Yogourt should be kept refrigerated. How long it would take to develop mould will depend on how many and what mould spores it is contaminated with, the temperature of the room and the acidity of the yogourt.
- How long after the expiry date can I use sour cream/esp. to bake with?
- Always use sour cream prior to the Best Before Date.
- Im worried,myself,my children 6,3,and 16months,and my sister ate some yogurt go-gurt tubes,and little mini cheese pizza that was in the car for 2 hrs {1:36pm tell 3:30pm} i put the food away,then around pm or so we ate them,we also ate popcicles that were with them,but the popcicles were not melted,will we be ok?Im so worried...
- The guidelines are that food should not be left at room temperature longer than two hours or one hour as temperatures increase. After that time there could be enough harmful bacteria develop to make you sick. The younger the children the more they are at risk for food borne illness. So there are no guarantees that you will all be ok but hopefully you will be.
- My son ate some swiss cheese that I bought from the deli about 5 weeks ago. It did not have mold on it. Was it still safe to eat?
- If the cheese was in a block, it could be refrigerated safely for 3 to 4 weeks, if sliced for 2 weeks. After that there will be loss of quality and you cannot be certain that it is safe to eat.
- Do items that are baked with sour cream or cream cheese in them (i.e. cookies, cakes, muffins, etc) need to be refrigerated? I understand that cream cheese frostings, fillings, and things that have not been cooked do but I wondered if baking the sour cream or cream cheese makes it safe to leave out at room temp?
- Baking sour cream or cream cheese does not necessarily make it safe to store at room temperature. If these products have been completely mixed with the other ingredients such as flour and baked, they may be safe to store at room temperature. But if swirled through the mixture or baked as in a cheese cake or pumpkin pie, the baked goods should be refrigerated. Baked goods stored in the fridge will keep longer.
- How long past the pack date can grated parmesan cheese be used as long as it is refrigerated?
- Grated parmesan cheese in a shaker can be refrigerated two months. But parmesan cheese grated from a block of cheese can be refrigerated three to four weeks.
- Is unopened iced tea mix still good to use? It is 8 months past best before date.
- After the Best Before Date, the ice tea mix will be safe to use, but there may be some loss of flavour.
- Hi...My in-laws are in their late 70's and have a pantry in the basement full of canned goods, etc. We found 5 or 6 jars of Miracle Whip with the date of March 2002 on them. Are they still safe to eat 5 years later? Also, how long after the date on canned goods are they still safe to consume? We have noticed some dated before 2000. Please let me know because I'm really starting to worry about their health when they consume these products as well as them serving guests these products.
- You are correct to be worried when food has been stored so long. And seniors are more at risk for food borne illness. Miracle Whip can be stored unopened two to three months in the pantry. If canned goods have a Best Before Date observe that date for top quality and food safety. Or after purchase use high acid canned goods like fruit and tomatoes and foods with tomatoes as an ingredient within 18 months. Low acid vegetables, soups, fish can be stored 2-5 years.
- How long does opened packaged american cheese last in the frig?
- American cheese is a processed cheese which can be refrigerated for 3 to 4 weeks after opening.
- How long past the expiry date is yogurt still good to eat - has been refrigerated.
- For top quality and food safety, yogourt should be consumed by the Best Before Date.
- My husband left out a opened bag of shredded cheddar cheese over night. Is it still safe to eat?
- The shredded cheese would not be safe to eat if left at room temperature longer than two hours.
- How long is luncheon meat safe to eat , opened and in the refrigerator?
- Opened lunch meats can be safely refrigerated for 3 to 5 days.
- I ate some yoghurt, the last in the container, and when I washed the container later, I noted a tiny bit of mold on the rim. UGH. What are the risks of eating the moldy yoghurt?
- It is unlikely that the mold on the rim of your yogourt container will have cause an illness. However, it has been found that some moulds, for example on peanuts, could produce mycotoxin which can cause immediate illness. Others are thought to be carcinogenic or cancer causing. If you see mold in yogourt, discard it.
- I got a couple pound of hot pepper cheese at a grocery sale the other day.Do I freeze it or leave in fridge.How long does deli sliced cheese last in fridge?
- If hot pepper cheese is a firm cheese, the slices can be refrigerated for two weeks.
- How long is an egg custard good if refrigerated?
- Egg custard should be refrigerated and consumed with 3 to 4 days.
- My husband left a block of cheddar unrefrigerated for 4 hours. It felt cool to the touch so I put it back in the fridge. Is it still safe to eat?
- It may not be safe. When dairy products like cheddar cheese are left at room temperature for longer than two hours, there is a risk of the development of harmful bacteria.
- Can you freeze a dish containing milk and cheese?
- These dairy products can be safely frozen but there may be some loss of quality. Milk sauces may curdle or separate. Cheese toppings may become soggy.
- Can I freeze cream?
- Cream is safe to freeze but it does not freeze well. In most cases there is a change of flavour and curdling.
- What causes an unopened container of milk, kept in the fridge, to go bad?
- Milk is pasteurized which kills harmful bacteria that cause disease. And it increases the length of time before it spoils But it does not sterilize the milk. The bacteria which remain in the milk will eventually cause spoilage.
- I have this homemade chocolate pudding that I bought at whole foods store. Its SELL BY date said March 19th and now its March 28th. 1) Is it good to eat. 2) If not, how long does homemade pudding last if refrigerated?
- For quality and food safety, the chocolate pudding should be refrigerated and consumed by the Best Before Date or three to four days after the Sell By date.
- How long after the expiry date, if kept in the refrigerator can a carton of juice (ie) pineapple, orange, mango by Dole be consumed. Also, a carton of milk or jug that has expired, can it be consumed or should they be discarded.
- Juice and milk should not be consumed after the Best Before Date.
- How long can French Onion Dip (any kind) stay unrefrigerated?
- French onion dip should not be left unrefrigerated for longer than two hours (one hour in the summer). Serve on a bed of ice if planning to leave it out longer.
- Can I freeze a cake icing that has sour cream in it?
- Sour cream separates when thawed. So the quality not the safety of your sour cream icing will be affected.
- How long can butter be left unfrigerated
- Depending on the temperature of the room, butter will develop a rancid taste when left at room temperature for too long so only take out the amount you will be using. To preserve the quality of butter, store it in its original wrapper on refrigerator shelves, not on the door.
- My husband just informed me that he gave our son yogurt that had been left opened on the counter for 45 minutes (put back in the fridge, with the understanding that he would not feed it to our son, that he would eat it) and then he fed it to our son tonight. Our son is 20 months old...what symptoms, if any should I look for? I am very worried.
- You are right that babies and toddlers are more at risk for food borne illness if they eat food contaminated with harmful bacteria. But there is low risk the yogourt would be contaminated. Concerns woudl be much greater if it was contaminated and left at room temperature for two hours (one hour in the summer). Symptoms of foodborne illness include upset stomach and diarrhea.
- How long can we keep in the refrigerator a strawberry pie that contains pastry cream?
- A pie which contains pastry cream should be refrigerated and used within 3 to 4 days.
- I have prepared some cream puffs made with cream pastry 24 hours ago. Can I freeze them for a week of two? Thank you!
- The quality of the cream pastry filling in your cream puffs may not be good after freezing. It may separate. But the cream puffs will be safe to eat.
- Can you freeze yogourt bought from the store in the 750ml. size? If so does it still taste the same?
- Yes, commercial yogourt can be frozen for one to two months. There may be some slight changes in flavour and texture depending on the type of yogourt.
- How long can butter be kept at room temperature in a 'butter keeper' which (theoretically) uses water to create a vacuum seal?
- Butter left for too long at room temperature will develop a rancid taste. Only leave at room temperature the amount of butter you can use in a short time.
- Regarding Coffee Creamers... We have those individual cups of the stuff at work. I dont see an expiration date but figure it has to expire sometime.
- Dairy coffee creamers are usually U.H.T. (Ultra High Temperature processed). There are two kinds. The ones that are aseptically packaged and the ones that are not. The first may have an expiry date most likely on the box they came from. They would last much longer, can be kept at room temperature (as a canned product) and do not have the indication to keep refrigerated on the lid. The other one will have "Keep refrigerated" on the peeled off lid. They are UHT but not aseptically packaged and their expiry date will be printed on the box they came from. Shelf life will be shorter than for the first type.
- I ate some Brie that someone gave me. Not sure of expiry date. I tasted foul and had a STRONG ammonia smell. Now I feel sick. Should I go to the doctor?
- If the symptoms persisted, it would be wise to consult a doctor. It is difficult at this point in time to determine the reasons why the Brie cheese had such a bad taste and a strong odor.
- How long can you leave a cooked meat and cheese quiche unrefridgerated?
- Once cooked, a meat and cheese quiche should not be left unrefrigerated for more than two hours (one hour during summer time).
- I've noticed that when cream cheese starts to go "off", it develops a pink tinge. Why is this?
- The pink tinge developing on the cream cheese is a sign of contamination. That colour is due to the growth of spoiler microorganisms such as yeasts and mould. Depending of the substrate available, those microorganisms could multiply and show up under that pinkish colour.
- Is it safe to eat expired cheddar cheese that has been kept in the freezer for about 4 to 6 months?
- Hard cheddar cheese can be frozen as long as a year. If it has been put in the freezer before its expiry date, that date doesn't apply anymore. Once ready to use, there may be some changes in quality such as flavour and texture. It may be best used in cooked dishes.
- I made mushroom turnovers last night and completely forgot to put them in the fridge. They sat covered with foil on my counter. They had sour cream, butter, and cream cheese in them. I nibbled on one - it tasted alright. But my question is, how long will these types of food last if cooked into a pastry and covered?
- Once baked, this type of food is perishable and should not be left at room temperature longer than one hour (two hours in the winter). After that there is a risk that if the mushroom turnovers were contaminated with harmful bacteria, these could grow to an undesirable level.
- How long can we keep yogourt in the refrigerator once the container has been opened even if the expiry date is still far away?
- Once opened refrigerated yogourt can be kept three days.
- I left an unopened tub of yogurt in the car overnight. Would it be safe to heat it to a bacteria-killing temperature, then refrigerate and eat? Or would that be too gross?
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A tub of yogourt that has been left at room temperature or warmer for longer than one hour should be discarded. Bacteria present would have turned the product beyong its wholesomeness
- If a cake has cream cheese baked in it, is it okay to be left unrefrigerated? I knew cream cheese should be refrigerated but I didn't know if it being baked would make a difference. Thanks!
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Most kinds of cakes can be safely stored at room temperature several days because they are dry and they contain enough sugar to inhibit growth of harmful bacteria. But if the cream cheese is concentrated in areas of the cake or used as a filling, the cake should be refrigerated.
- Can we drink thawed milk that has been frozen for 2 weeks? Thank you!
- If the milk has been thawed in the refrigerator it should be safe to drink it. You might need to shake it well before serving as there could have been separation of the milk fat during freezing.
- Hi, At what point does cheese smells like ammonia? Thanks a million!
- I do not think that there is a given time when the cheese will smell like ammonia? This phenomenon would occur when the fat of the cheese goes rancid by its chemical transformation and it is due to the environmental conditions in which the cheese has been kept.
- is it safe to eat cheese fondue while pregnant?
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Pregnant women should not consume raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products. So as long as the fondue is made from cheese clearly labelled as made from pasteurized milk and it has been handled correctly, it is safe to eat.
- Does Hershey's syrup have to be refrigerated after opening?
- Once opened, chocolate syrup has to be kept refrigerated.
- Should we keep food in a refrigerator that does not work? What are the consequences?
- Perishable foods should not be kept in a refrigerator that does not work. There is a high risk of food poisoning caused by the multiplication of harmful bacteria in the food when the temperature is above refrigeration temperature of 4 degrees C / 40 degres F. Some foods will decay rapidly and cause bad odours in the refrigerator. If perishable foods are kept at temperature above refrigeration for more than 2 hours, one hour in the summer months, they should be thrown out.
- After purchasing, I left a 2 pound plastic bag of Jarlsberg Lite sliced swiss cheese in the trunk of my car for approx. 6½ hours before putting it in the fridge. I also left a container of Cello (or similar) brand Italian grated cheese in the same trunk for the same amount of time. Should I throw out both or are one or both of them still edible? Thank you for your time.
- The rule of thumb to observe here when perishable food is not refrigerated and has been at room temperature for more than 2 hours (one hour in the summer time), they might not be safe to eat. In your case, the Jarlsberg swiss cheese left for over six hours at relatively warm temperature might not be safe; it should be thrown out. As for the grated cheese, if the wrapper indicated that it should be kept refrigerated, then it should be thrown out. But if the grated cheese is quite dry like parmesan cheese and was purchased in a container at room temperature, then this one should be safe to eat. Otherwise, it should be thrown out as well.
- I made veal parm for dinner and used mozzarella cheese on it and we ate it. I then noticed the date was expired 2 weeks ago but tasted okay Are we in danger now? thanks
- It is unlikely that you will be in danger. Mozzarella cheese is a pasteurized product where pathogens were eliminated through that process. Unless the product had been temperature abused during the time you had it at home, your family should be fine. The expiry date on a product put on by the manufacturer is the date until when he will be able to guarantee that is product is at its top quality. After that, there might be some loss of quality. Signs of spoilage show on the cheese with the presence of mold on it.
- I ate some refrigerated sour cream on the best before date, and then noticed there was mold growing on one side of the container near the lid. Being pregnant, I'm very concerned that listeriosis could occur. What should I do?
- There is a risk that you may have consumed some mould, not the bacterium that causes listeriosis. But mould should not be consumed because some moulds contain toxins which cause immediate illness usually without incidence on the baby. You could mentioned it to your doctor.
- I have some cream cheese, and I noticed it is about 3 months or so over the expiring date, but has been kept very cold for all that time, is it safe to use. It looks fine
- Dairy products such as cream cheese should not be consumed after the Best Before Date.
- I left an unopened tub of organic yogurt in my car for about 7 hours. It was a cool night, about 12 degrees. Should I discard the yogurt ?
- If organic or standard yogourt is left at a temperature above 4 degrees C, for longer than one hour (two hours in the winter), it should be discarded because there is a risk that harmful bacteria may have developed.
- How long can you leave thawed (fresh ground beef) never been frozen in the refrigerator?
- Fresh ground beef can be refrigerated for one to two days.
- My son's dad made dinner last night and he gave him some canned fruit that has been expired for a year. It was canned pears. Is my son going to be okay. he is getting sick as well. If it continues tommorow i am calling his Dr.
- Canned fruit should not be eaten past the Best Before Date. Generally there may be loss of quality including nutritional value after that date. But loss of quality does not cause illness. However, in some cases the acid in the fruit may react with the lining of the can contaminating the fruit.
- I ate some grated parmesan cheese that expired about a month ago? Does it matter? It is in a container, but not tightly wrapped. I ate some the other day too before noticing the date. It tasted fine.
- The Best Before Date does matter. After that date there is no guarantee the parmesan cheese will be of good quality and eventually it may not be safe to eat.
- How long does opened yogourt last in the refrigerator?
- Once opened, yogourt can be refrigerated as long as three days.
- How long past the expiration date, are shredded cheeses okay to consume?
- Shredded cheeses should be consumed on or before the "Best Before Date".
- How long can we keep sweetened condensed milk in the refrigerator after its opening? Thank you!
- Once opened, sweetened condensed milk may be refrigerated 7 to 10 days.
- I just bought some fat-free cottage cheese today. The expiration date is two weeks from now. I removed the lid, then removed the clear seal which was firmly affixed and not bloated or damaged. The cottage cheese looks drier than normal (there's usually quite a lot of liquid) and it tastes more tart than usual. I always buy this brand. Is there something wrong with it, or is it just a different batch and it's perfectly fine to eat?
- If the cottage cheese has been kept refrigerated during its journey from the producer to the retailer and if the seal is intact it should be fine to eat. But you have observed some differences which may indicate that it may not be fine to eat or it is not of good quality. Return the product to your retailer for a replacement.
- I didn't catch a cab until two and a half hours later...and my groceries, including my two boxes of ice cream and three containers of cream cheese were waiting out of the refrigerator and freezer for that long, until I could get them home...I want to know if I can eat them or if I am just going to end up getting food poisoning?
- This time of year, perishable foods like ice cream and cream cheese should not be left out of the refrigerator longer than one hour or there is a risk of spoilage or the development of harmful bacteria. If not going right home, take an iced cooler or freezer bag to the store so you can keep these foods cold until you do get home.
- How mold can occur on a damped bread? Thank you!
- Molds are all over the place and they do form spores when conditions are extreme. Once they reach a favourable environment such as a damped bread, the spores will developp and create a mycelium which is the part we see on the bread when it gets moldy.
- I had some unopened processed sliced cheese in the fridge for about 6 weeks, and it looked ok so I put in a sandwich, but noticed that the cheese had a slightly 'sweet bitter' taste- now I'm worried as im meant to be going on holiday tomorrow- what shall I do, shall I try and vomit it up?
- Unopened processed cheese can be refrigerated for several months. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within 3-4 weeks. Your 6 week old cheese would have lost quality and may have been starting to spoil.
- I'm getting married at the end of June and I won't be at a facility that will have a refrigerator large enough to hold my cake. It's a cream cheese pound cake with a non-butter buttercream covered in fondant. How long can I safely keep it at room temperature?
- The pound cake made with cream cheese would not require refrigeration.The quality would be good for 3-4 days at room temperture. The fondant would be safe because of the high sugar contant. Without knowing the ingredients, we can't provide storage information on the non butter buttercream frosting.
- I bought 3 pkgs. of cream cheese on sale, 3 for $$$$. I put them in the fridge and didn't have an opportunity to use them (I was going to make a cheesecake)!! Expire date is 07/APR 10 - can I still use the unopened packages to make a cheesecake this weekend or within the next few days? P.S. - I checked one of the pkgs and there is NO mould on the cheese
- Cream cheese, like all dairy products, should be used on or before the Best Before Date.
- I made Cream Cheese frosting with powdered about 3 or so weeks ago and its been in a very cold refrigerator , can I use it again ?
- If your cream cheese frosting was made with powdered sugar, it can be kept refrigerated and used within 10 days.
- Could you please send me the guideline on consumer education for safe food handling, serving and consuming?
- To find out more basic consumer information about safe food handling, serving and consuming read the information posted on the Mrs. Cookwell web site and the web site of the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education.
- Is it safe to keep peanut butter in a cupboard after opening in order to keep it soft and easier to spread.
- Unless there are instructions on the label to refrigerate after opening, it is safe to store opened peanut butter in a cupboard.
- I have a tub of unopened margarine which I purchased approx. eight months ago. Is it safe to use for baking?
- Yes, it should be safe to use for baking. The recommended maximum refrigeration time for margarine is 8 months.
- How long after the "best by" date do you think it is safe to drink a milk based weight loss drink that hasn't been opened and has been refrigerated since it was purchased? Thanks.
- For best quality and safety, a milk based weight loss drink should be consumed on or before the Best before Date.
- My wife made a cake and used instant pudding as a filling. It was left out on the counter overnight and she said it would be alright to eat. I think that intant pudding needs to be kept in the refrigerator, was the cake filling till good to eat?
- Any filled or frosted cake should be refrigerated for quality as well as food safety.
- We had a bag of sealed little servings of butter for bread we bought at a restaurant that was inadvertently left on the counter overnight. Is it still safe to eat it?
- Butter left for too long a period at room temperature will develop a rancid taste and this will make some people ill. So take a small taste of the butter.
- Hi! Can we freeze a cake?
- Yes, cakes may be frozen but there may be changes in the quality of some types of fillings and frostings.
- How long is Cool Whip safe to eat if unopened but kept in fridge instead of freezer.
- According to Kraft Canada, unopened Cool Whip can be stored in the fridge or freezer for 18 months from the date it is made which is on the package. However, once opened, it should be used within two weeks or there will be loss of quality.
- Dear Mrs. C., I am making a pie with 4 cups of blueberries which are topped with 8 oz sour cream mixed with 1/4 c brown sugar, with a sprinkling of bread crumbs. The recipe says to cool it at room temperature for 1 hour after baking. My question: After the 1 hour, can I safely leave the pie at room temperature for several more hours until dinner, or do I need to refrigerate it?
- Because the pie is topped with a sour cream mixture, the pie should be refrigerated after the hour of cooling.
- Hi- I have a one year old son and I give him regular whole milk. When we go out and I put the milk in his bottle, how long will it be good for unrefridgerated?
- A one year old is more at risk for food borne illness than an adult. So milk that your son is drinking should not be left unrefrigerated. Pack a small container of milk in an insulated bag with a small ice pack or frozen juice box. Only pour enough in his bottle for him to drink right away. Discard any leftover milk and wash the bottle before refilling.
- Can you eat salsa con queso that was not refrigerated after opening?
- After opening, a jar of salsa should be refrigerated within two hours or there is a risk of the development of harmful bacteria.
- I would like to know what is the time span between milk production and its expiry date?
- In Canada the Best Before Dates for regular fluid milk usually guarantees the milk for 18 days from the date of processing. The individual servings of Milk to Go are good for 75 days because that milk has been sterilized and microfiltered.
- I have package of regular individually wrapped cheese slice in an unopened package that expired in January 2007. Are they safe to eat? Thanks for your help
- The "best before" date indicates how long the unopened product will retain its freshness and high quality as tested by the manufacturer. As the "best before" date has long past, this food may be unsafe to eat.
- I drank some juice from a carton and later noticed the Best Before Date was Jan 2007 and the juice carton was open in the fridge. Am I at risk ?
- Juice should not be consumed after the Best Before Date. When drinking juice that's seven months past the Best Before Date, the level of risk depends on how the juice was processed.
- Mrs. Cookwell, My daughter did not close the fridge all the way (7:00am)and we discovered it when we got home at 3:00pm. It has an electronic pad and was beeping that it was warm. We immediately set it to "MAX COOL". Do we need to throw everything away?
- Discard any perishable food in the refrigerator that has remained above 4 degrees C/40 degrees F for two or more hours. These include fresh or leftover cooked meat, poultry, fish, soft cheese, milk, cream, yogourt, fresh eggs, fresh cut fruit and cooked vegetables.
- Can French onion dip be frozen?
- It should be safe to freeze French Onion dip. However, there will be loss of quality.
- While pregnant I ate yogurt that had mould on the lid. It was a newly opened container.
- If there is mould on the lid of yogourt, the mould had probably spread throughout the yogourt. Some moulds produce toxins which cause illness fairly quickly. Others may be carcinogenic.
- Mould that is present on a loaf of bread, can they make us very sick?
- Yes, mould on a loaf of bread can make you very sick. There are different types of moulds and some produce toxins which can make you sick. Others are thought to be carcinogenic.
- I was told reusing plastic containers is unsafe, because they have carcinogenic properties, is this true? I'm talking about reusing plastic juice containers, cottage cheese containers, water bottle containers, etc. are these all unsafe to reuse?
- Using plastic containers for anything other than their original purpose can cause possible health problems especially if the food is heated in them. So these are single use containers. If you want to read more information on this subject and other related subjects, consult the Health Canada "It's your health" article on Microwaves and food safety at the following internet link:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/iyh-vsv/prod/micro-f-a_e.html
- I drank some icy milk from my refrigerator that was expired about 11 days ago, will I be ok?
- The Best Before Date is the date to which the dairy guarantees freshness, quality and safety of the milk if it is properly handled. You do not seem to report any odd taste to the milk as you drank. It is not recommend to consume food after the expiry date but in your case, if the milk had its usual taste, you should be fine.
- I accidentally ate four small slices of cheese that had some green mold on the edges. I'm diabetic also; is this cause for concern?
- Some moulds can produce toxins which can make you sick and that would be a concern for both diabetics and non-diabetics. Some research has shown that other types of moulds may cause cancer if exposed to it on a regular basis which is not the case here.
- What should you do if you are pregnant and believe that you ate spoiled yogurt because the smell and texture of it was different, although there was no mold present and the woman did not get sick? If the texture and smell of yogurt has changed, although the sell by date has not passed, does it mean that harmful bacteria developed?
- Once you have eaten food contaminated with harmful bacteria, there is nothing you can do but watch for symptoms such as upset stomach to develop. Drink lots of water and see a doctor if the symptoms continue or bloody diarrhea develops. A change in the smell and texture of yogourt may not mean there is a risk that harmful bacteria have developed. Other factors could be responsible such as growth of non-threatening lactic acid bacteria that could change the pH or changes in the texture of the fruits if they are present, etc.
- How long are mozzarella balls safe to eat after the Best Before Date?
- Mozzarella balls should be eaten by their Best Before Date.
- I used sour milk in my cereal this morning not realizing it was sour until I ate 4-5 spoonfuls. The sell-by date is not for 3 more days so I didn't think to smell it first. But when I realized it tasted "sour" I smelled the carton and it definitely was spoiled. Will I get sick and how long before it will make me sick? It has already been 6 hours and no illness yet.
- If milk has soured before the Best Before Date it has probably been temperature abused either before or after purchase and there is a risk that it could make you sick. Best Before Date is the date where the manufacturer guarantees that is unopened well handled product will keep its freshness. Once opened that Best Before Date does not apply as such anymore. Foodborne illness symptoms usually develop anywhere from two to 72 hours after consumption of contaminated food. It can go from fever, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea and they could show up one after the other or just by themselves such as a mild diarrhea.
- I make gingerbread cookies with powdered sugar and milk icing every Christmas. Can they be left out in tupperware or do I need to refrigerate them? thank you
- Gingerbread cookies with icing of powdered sugar and milk can be stored at room temperature for 2 to 3 weeks. They will keep longer if refrigerated or frozen.
- Can we freeze maple fudge?
- Maple fudge can be frozen for six months in a moisture proof container. When defrosted there may be some changes in quality but no food safety issues.
- Can we freeze a cheese cake?
- Cheesecake can be frozen for two months.
- Should ketchup that has been opened be refrigerated?
- Once opened, ketchup should be refrigerated.
- I have a bag of shredded mozzarella cheese that was opened about a month ago, the date on it is October 2007. Is it still safe to eat?
- Once a bag of shredded mozzarella cheese is opened, the Best Before Date no longer applies. Assuming proper packaging and refrigeration, it can generally be kept refrigerated as long as two to three weeks.
- I have some gogurt pops with a sell by of July 11 . . it is now August 19 . . they have been FROZEN the entire time. Are they still good to eat?
- After the Best Before may be safe to eat, but there would be a gradual loss of quality.
- Can you tell me why it is safe for cheese buns, etc. to be kept on the shelf at the Grocery store and not refrigerated?
If you open something like cream cheese, chip dip, etc. that has an expiry date 2-3 mths down the road, is that expiry date still in effect or is that only for an unopened product?
- The producer of the cheese buns has determined that the product is safe to store at room temperature. The cheese used in this product is usually processed cheese that received high temperature treatments and get baked in the bread. This finished product is relatively dry and would not allow growth of harmful bacteria. Eventually, mold will ruin the product. The Best Before Date is valid only for unopened products. Once opened, these dairy products should be kept refrigerated and used rapidly. In the case of cream cheese dips and spreads, this is 10 days.
- Can Cheddar cheese be eaten two months after its expiry date. It was kept in the refrigerator
- Even though refrigerated, Cheddar cheese should not be eaten two months after its Best Before Date.
- If I put milk in a bottle to bring to school w/o anything to keep it cool how long afterwards will it not be safe to drink?
- Milk is a perishable food product and should not be held in the Danger Zone of 4ºC - 60ºC any longer than 2 hours (1 hour during warm weather). To keep milk chilled while at school use a well insulated lunch bag, and add a freezer gel pack or a frozen 250 mL juice box.
- I am 30 weeks pregnant and made my son cupcakes with cream cheese filling and cream cheese frosting (made with powdered sugar) on a Sunday afternoon, served them to myself and family on Monday afternoon and again had two more on Tues evening. It then crossed my mind I should have refrigerated them this whole time. It is now Wed evening and I am worried that I have put my unborn baby and family at risk. If we were going to get sick how long would it take and is my unborn baby at risk?
- Yes, the cupcakes with cream cheese filling and frosting should have been kept refrigerated. If the cupcakes became contaminated with harmful bacteria, symptoms could appear anywhere from two to 72 hours after consumption depending on the amount consumed and health of you and your family members. If symptoms do develop, see your doctor.
- How long can we keep different cheeses in the freezer? The fact that the cheeses are frozen for extended period of time, would that allow the development of bacteria? Would it be risky to consume it for our health?
- Cheese should not be frozen for longer than eight weeks. It should be defrosted in the refrigerator and used as soon as possible. Bacteria do not develop in the freezer but there may be changes in appearance and texture. But it can still be used as an ingredient in cooking or grated.
- I am 28 weeks pregnant and I have been eating sliced deli meat not knowing the risk for contracting listeriosis. The meat was fresh and I think handled properly. Am I still at risk?
- Yes, pregnant women who eat sliced deli meat are at risk for listeriosis. If you do want to eat them, heat deli meats until they are steaming hot (to at least 74 degrees C) or avoid them completely.
- I am wondering how long hard cheeses that have been vacuum packed can be kept out of the fridge for?
- Vacuum packed perishable food like hard cheese, still requires refrigerated storage.They should not be left at room temperature longer than one hour in the summer, two hours in the winter.
- A co-worker ate yogurt that had a date on it of 6/16/07. Today is 9/11/07. What are her risks after having eaten the yogurt. She has a tendency to not pay attention to expiration dates on foods such as yogurt and milk. She says if it doesn't look or smell bad, she will consume it. Any advice?
- That yogourt is almost three months past the Best Before Date and should not have been consumed. There would be loss of quality including nutritional value and it may have been contaminated with harmful bacteria which could not be seen or tasted but could make her very sick. It will only take one occasion where whe will remember it for the rest of her life.
- I am 35 weeks pregnant and I accidentally ate some munster cheese (not expired) that I later realized had some blue and white mold on it. What should I do and what should I be looking for? Is there any risk to the baby?
- Presence of undesired mould on cheese should not be consumed whether pregnant or not. Some undesirable moulds may produce toxins which cause illness. Some research indicates that other moulds may be carcinogenic. You could always check with your doctor regarding risk to the baby as a preventive measure but at this stage of your pregnancy you might not have to be worried.
- Nutriwhip (best before not known coz re-stored in tupperware) with some 'tomato seed' like spots on the top layer used in making cold coffee...should I have used it? [Threw out most of the cream and used what was left at the bottom (in the hopes that if it was mold it wouldn't have effected the bottom of the container---smelled fine)]
- If the spots were mould, the root systems of the mould would have traveled throughout the soft topping. It should not have been used because some moulds produce toxins and others are thought to be carcinogenic.
- How long can sour cream be stored for safely in the fridge after it's been opened?
- Once opened, sour cream should be refrigerated and used by the Best Before Dates. After that date there will be gradual loss of quality and spoilage will develop.
- Hi Mrs. Cookwell! I would like to know if my cottage cheese can be frozen. It is not passed the due date yet. I cannot eat it right now ans I would not want to lose it. Can I freeze it? Thanks.
- Cottage cheese can be frozen. But when thawed, there may be a change in appearance or texture. So plan to use it as an ingredient in recipes.
- You are saying that the cheese has to be refrigerated immediately. I know a lot of people that buy cheese: La Chaudière as an example, that is very fresh and leave it on the counter for few days in a cheese dish because it stays the same contrary to the refrigerator where it becomes harder and less soft. Thank you!
- The Dairy Farmers of Canada recommend that cheese be put in the refrigeratorwithin two hours after buying. Cheese, with the exception of fresh cheeses such as cottage, feta and cream cheese, should be served at room temperature for the best flavour and aroma.
- How long is french onion chip dip good for after opening? (kept in fridge)
- Once opened, chip dip should be eaten within 10 days.
- can you freeze carrot cake with icing made with brick of cream cheese and icing sugar? is it safe to eat?
- It is safe to freeze and eat carrot cake frosted with a cream cheese frosting. Ensure carrot cake is thawed in the refrigerator, and stored in the refrigerator - not at room temperature - at all times.
- Hi! I prepared some flaky cheese sticks with old cheddar cheese. They have been baked at 400 degrees F for approximatively 10 minutes. How long can I keep them at room temperature?
- The cheese sticks may be so dry that they will not support the growth of bacteria. They should be stored air-tight to prevent contamination with dust and mould. How long they can be stored without loss of quality will depend on the recipe used.
- I have an unopened pack of fresh mozzarella cheese which expires in a week. It was fine yesterday, but I looked at it today and saw that the liquid inside the package has leaked out, and the packaging has blown up like a balloon despite the fact that there must be a hole in it somewhere. I'd like to know what caused this, and if the cheese is still safe to eat. It smells fine, but if it were a canned good, I'd throw it out.
- If the seal in the package has been broken by a hole, the Best Before Date no longer applies. The inflation of the package is an indication that the cheese is spoiling and there may be development of harmful bacteria as well. These bacteria cannot be seen, smelled or tasted.
- Is it safe to eat raspberry vinergar salad dressing if it has expired 1 month ago? It has been refrigerated and never opened.
- It is not recommended to eat food past the printed expiration date.
- How long can an opened jar of Miracle Whip be kept in the refrigerator and still be safe to eat?
- Once opened and stored in the refrigerator, Miracle Whip salad dressing may be used within 6 - 8 weeks.
- how long after the expiration date can you use sweeted condensed milk?
- The "Best if used by (or Before)" date on canned goods is recommended by the manufacturer for best flavour and quality of their product. It is not a guarantee of safety. Condensed milk should be used within 9 - 12 months.
- How do you know when yoghurt has spoiled? and How can the shelf life of yoghurt be increased
- As yogurt ages, the flavour becomes sharper and mold growth will eventually appear. When purchasing yogurt, make sure you have a long time until the Best Before Date. To ensure yogurt stays fresh up to the Best Before Date, keep it refrigerated at all times, spoon out only what you will consume and do not return unused portions back to the container.
- I have an unopened package of monzzerella cheese with a best by date of July and want to know if it can still be used in a casserole dish.
- It is not recommended to use the mozzarella cheese as it is a considerable time past the best before date.
- Hi! I consumed a yogurt that had expired 4 days ago. It is only the following day that I noticed that it had expired. I am pregnant and I am afraid of suffering from listeriosis. What are the risks? What should I do now?
- It is not ever recommended to consume dairy products past their Best Before Date because they may have lost quality and nutrients. But dairy products to definitely avoid during pregnancy because of the risk of listeriosis are those made with unpasteurized milk such as brie and feta cheese and blue veined cheeses such as Roquefort. If symptoms of food borne illness occur, see you doctor. However, if you still feel very good, the risk of listeriosis would be very small if not present at all.
- I bought a big container of miracle whip. It has been opened and then my frig broke. Can I freeze it in my deep freeze?
- Miracle Whip and mayonnaise may be safely frozen, however, the consistency will change when you thaw the products to use. They will become grainy and separate.
- How long can I leave a piece of onion already cut in the refrigerator? I heard that the onion juice can become toxic.
- Green onions may be stored in the refrigerator (4 C or lower) for 1 week, sweet onions for up to 1 month.
- I'm canning pumpkin butter. How long after opened can it be stored in frig and still be okay to consume?
- Provided the product was canned properly, using a pressure canner, the product can be stored safely in your refrigerator (4 degrees Celsius or lower) for 3 - 4 days.
- About when does string cheese expire? I have had a packet of string cheese in my fridge for a almost two months, Is the string cheese still good if it has been refrigerated? Thank You.
- The shelf life is 4 months, provided they have been refrigerated at 4º C (40º F) or lower.
- I accidently ate something with raw egg yolk in it and I'm pregnant. I NOW know I'm not suppose to eat raw eggs. I've also had running eggs prior to knowing this. I, of course will no do it anyone. Will I be okay or should I get checked up?
- There is a slight risk of salmonella poisoning with consuming raw egg. All raw foods (meat, sushi with raw fish etc.) should be avoided when you are pregnant to reduce your risk of exposure to certain bacteria. If you are concerned or experience nausea, abdominal cramping, or diarrhoea, you should contact your family doctor. Salmonella symptoms usually show up 6 - 72 hours of consumption.
- How long does salad dressing last in the fridge after opening, and how long do pickles in the fridge after opening.
- Salad dressings may be stored refrigerated according to the "best before date", or up to 3 months. Pickles may be stored up to 2 months in the refrigerator.
- I left an unopened bottle of mayonaise in the car. When I removed it the following day, it was warm to the touch. Does it go bad from the heat?
- Unopened mayonnaise may be stored on the shelf. However, your car is likely warmer than a cupboard shelf as you state the bottle felt warm. If the temperature of your car exceeded room temperature, you should throw the mayonnaise out as safety and quality may have been compromised.
- I left Romano and cheddar cheese in refrigerator when it was unplugged for at least 12 hours. The refrigerator was cold prior to that time. Is it okay to eat?
- Both these cheeses are sold refrigerated and should remain refrigerated at all times. Foods that require refrigeration should never be left unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours. You should throw the cheeses out.
- I buy Salsa and use some of it and then refrigerate. It always gets mold on top even it it's only been there for a week or two. I have in the past removed the mold and used it but I'm wondering if this was dangerous to do. I hate to keep throwing it out but I don't want to get sick. Thanks for your advice. Virginia
- Do not consume foods with unwanted mould growth as it can be dangerous. Purchase salsa in smaller containers, or portion the salsa into freezer safe containers, and use as you need. Thaw the salsa in the refrigerator before using, and mix well before serving.
- how long will unopened frozen ice cream remain edible?
- Ice cream will maintain it's smooth texture and creamy quality for 2 - 4 months when stored in a chest freezer, and 1 month when stored in a refrigerator freezer.
- How long can we keep a cabbage soup in the refrigerator?
- Cabbage soup will keep in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days
- Why is the shelf life for unpasteurized yogurt longer than that for pasteurized milk?
- Both yogourt and milk carry a Best Before Date that is determined by the producer based on how the product is produced and recommended storage. Yogourt may have a longer shelf life because of the presence of a microbiological culture that takes all the room and bring down the pH inhibiting the growth of other spoilage microorganisms. Milk has limited bacterial growth to start with and once it gets contaminated, it would spoil faster.
- I have two opened jars of peanuts butter and 1 jar that has not been opened. All are in my food pantry and all have the same expiry date of 06 AU 07. Are they still good?
- It is not recommended to consume eExpired foods. Expiry dates put on by manufacturer mean that they guarantee that the product will keep it optimal quality as established by in house tests. After those dates, quality will diminish. There will be loss in nutritional values; there might be some safety issues as well and in the case of peanut butter, the product will turn rancid.
- i have 8 month old parmesan cheese that has been in the cabinet and i mixed in meatballs and sauce is it safe to eat?
- Unopen parmesan cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 - 6 months. Once opened, it should be used within 3 - 4 weeks.
- How long can you keep canned goods after the expiration date?
- Use them up by the manufacturer's recommended date for optimal quality and freshness. If the can has been damaged or exposed to extreme heat or cold, throw it out!
- Can we freeze pancake dough? How about waffle dough?
- You can freeze the dough, or make the pancakes and waffles and then freeze them. Use containers suitable for freezing and thaw in your refrigerator.
- Is cool whip left a room temperature for 10 hours ok to use?
- Cool Whip is a perishable food that should not be left unrefrigerated for longer than 2 hours. Cool Whip will remain fresh for 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Place the lid back on the container and promptly return product to refrigerator after each use. It can also be kept in the freezer for 2 - 3 months.
- Do we have to refrigerate some brown gravy while it is still hot or do we have to wait until it cooled down?
- Today's refrigerators are designed to chill warm food items without causing damage to the appliance. So brown gravy should be refrigerated hot to cool it as quickly as possible.
- I purchased a store cheesecake from the bakery & forgot to put it in the fridge therefore it was left out overnight (12 hours to be exact). Is it still safe???
- Cheesecake is perishable and should not be left at room temperature longer than two hours in the winter. Discard your cheesecake as it may be contaminated with harmful bacteria that grew overnight.
- I made a cheesecake for Thanksgiving Day the night before. The recipe directed me to turn off the oven after baking one hour. It said to leave the cake in the oven for an additional 6 hours afterward. I forgot and didn't refridgerate it until the morning. 7 hours too late. It was cooked, Is it ok to eat?
- Baked cheesecake should be refrigerated as soon as it is cool or it may develop harmful bacteria from heat resistant spores.
- Hi! is it ok to eat Kraft American cheese slices that were a week-expired?
- The Best Before Date indicates how long the cheese, if properly handled, would be safe and of good quality. It is not recommended to eat the cheese past that date.
- I just ate about a teaspoon of mayo that was opened about a week ago.(it was refigerated) As I swallowed it I realize it tasted bad. I checked and the date on the Mayo was 2004 !!!How dangerous is this? Thanks.
- The mayonnaise should have been used by May, 2004, so it has likely gone rancid, throw it out. If you develop flu-like symptoms, visit your doctor immediately.
- Can we reuse plastic containers such as yogurt containers for other uses without any risks?
- These containers are designed for a single use. If washed well in hot soapy water, they could be reused to store cold food but should not be used to store hot food or for reheating food in the microwave.
- How long can we keep a Chantilly cream in a pressurized container?
- Chantilly cream is a type of whipped cream. If there is no best before on the container with the manufacturer's recommendation, it can be kept 3 - 4 weeks
- HI! I cooked eggs for breakfast this morning, and used up the carton. After eating the eggs, I cleaned up and threw the carton out. I noticed the eggs expired 3 days ago. Is this still ok or will I end up getting sick?
- You should be fine provided they were properly handled from the time the eggs left the farm until you ate them. Best before dates indicate freshness and quality.
- We went away for 3 days with a spare refrigerator turned off and the room temperature would have been 30 degrees plus for most of the time. It contained tubs of margarine which were like liquid when we found them. They expire in a month - would they be OK to use for a. gneral use b. cooking
- Heat affects the quality of fats and oils. There is a good chance that your melted margarine would be turning rancid which would affect the taste of any food it is used with. We would not recommend the use of margarine which has been stored unrefrigerated at 30 degrees C for all that time.
- Hi! I purchased a Christmas log style cake sold at room temperature at a grocery store. Is it safe to keep it at room temperature one opened. Thank you!
- If the product is offered for sale at room temperature and there is no indication on the box saying to refrigerate after opening, then it will be safe to keep the cake at room temperature after the package has been opened.
- Can we consume milk that froze in the garage for one to two days?
- If the container is intact, you can consume that milk as long as it was kept frozen or refrigerate (less than 4 degrees C (40 degrees F) at all time. Shake the container well before serving and drinking it.
- Can I use an opened pkg of sour cream that is stamped 12/12/07? I opened it approx 2 weeks ago
- Sour cream should not be used once past the Best Before Date.
- Ok SO I do know for best quality of string cheese to eat it before the best by date, however how long after the best by date will you risk get sick? I personally think as long as there is no mold or smell it should be fine, it might just taste a bit saltier than usual. Any advice?
- There are several issues here. You are correct in that the cheese has a best before date that will indicate optimal quality, wholesomeness and nutrition. After that time, these things may deteriorate. If the cheese was contaminated with food poisoning bacteria, it will not make the cheese look or smell different. As for mould, it grows in threads and you do not see mould until there is quite a bit of it. The best advice I can give you is to eat perishable foods before their best before dates expire.
- I left out Coffeemate while gone at work all day. Its the refrigerated kind. Can I still use it? It doesnt stink. Says its non dairy creamer but you buy it in the refrigerated section. Thank you.
- Although the product is shelf stable, for optimal quality it should be kept refrigerated at all times and used within 14 days of opening.
- Hi! My 8 year old son drank his pasteurized milk tonight after it stayed at room temperature for 8 hours since he did not drink it in the morning. He told me that it tasted the same as usual. Is he risking something?
- When milk is left at room temperature longer than two hours, there is a risk it could be contaminated with harmful bacteria which can make you sick. Harmful bacteria do not necessarly give food a bad taste or odour. If he doesn't drink his milk in the morning it should be refrigerated right away.
- I sent a package with string cheese in it to someone. They didn't receive it for twelve days!!! Is it still safe for them to eat the cheese?
- Perishable foods such as soft cheeses (mozzarella) should not be sent in the mail. Throw the cheese out!!!!!
- How long do you think you can safely freeze liquid coffee creamer?
- 10% cream may change in texture on freezing. Freeze for 1 month. Manufacturers of artificial creamers do not recommend freezing.
- If something that is unopened, say like a jar of mayonnaise, is put in the refrigerator and then taken out and put into the pantry (unopened and within the best if used before date)...is it safe to eat?
- Yes, mayonnaise and other similar foods are to be refrigerated on opening. Once open, only store the mayonnaise in your refrigerator.
- I have an opened bottle of ginger vinegarette salad dressing the expiry date is dec 3/07 would it still be good it has been properly refrigerated would it have a longer best before date because of the vinegar being the main ingredient
- The best before date indicates optimal taste, and nutrition. You can choose to use products past their best before, but freshness, quality, and nutrition may be compromised. It is best to use products by their best before dates.
- Is deli provolone cheese slices safe to eat when it has white flakes on it? Can this cheese give you food poisoning?
- You can get food poisoning from cheese. Bacteria that make you sick do not usually change the appearance, taste or smell of the food. It's difficult to say what the white flakes are without seeing them. If in doubt, throw it out!
- How long will opened sweetened condensed milk stay good in the ice box?
- Remove the contents from the can and you may store this in your refrigerator for 4 -5 days.
- how long can you keep canned food ( soup etc)no expiry date on cans just a bunch of numbers also cake mixes how long past the expiry date
- Canned foods that are not exposed to extreme heat or cold, may be stored for 2 -5 years if they are low acid foods (contain little acid such as corn, beans) or 12 - 18 months for high acid foods (such as fruit). The cakes should be used by their best before date to ensure quality and wholesomeness. Cake mixes have a shelf life of 12 months unopen in the pantry.
- Tonight, we had burritos. After eating the first one I realised that the sour cream we were eating went out of date 4 days ago. My two children ate them. Can this be dangerous?
- The best before date on sour cream indicates optimal freshness, quality and nutrition. You should be safe. If there is mould on the surface or inside the container, throw it out! Try using your food before the best before dates expire.
- I made a carrot cake but the next day I noticed some of the carrots had turned green. This was not mold, nor was there anything wrong with the carrots before I put them into the cake - in fact the carrots that I did not use from the same package are still perfectly good. What made the carrots turn green and is it safe to eat?
- The carrot cake is safe to eat. It is a natural reaction between oxygen, pigments in the carrots and/or metal from the pan, spoon or grater and heat from the baking process.
- My friend keeps her margerine in the cupboard and I want to know if that is safe. Can margerine be kept at room temperature or does it have to be refridgerated?
- Margarine readily absorbs odors. For optimal quality, margarine should be refrigerated and used by its best before date or within 8 months unopen, 1 -3 months on opening.
- How long do bluberries go without growing mold?
- That would depend on the ripeness of the blueberries when purchased. Fresh blueberries of good quality can be refrigerated, loosely covered, for as long as 10 days.
- I purchased creme brulee and a ham & cheese quiche from a 4-star bakery. The bakery had not refrigerated these items and were stored at room temperature - are they okay to eat?
- Both of these products are made from perishable ingredients-dairy products and eggs and should not be left at room temperature longer than two hours (one hour in the summer) or there may be a risk of the development of harmful bacteria.
- We purchased a package of "No Name" Farmers Cheese at Loblaws but inadvertently left it out of the fridge overnight. I know that 2 hours seems to be the danger point, but what if the vacuum-packed package is still unopened? Is it too risky to eat it or should we throw it out? Thank you.
- You are correct. If cheese, sealed in a vacuum packed package is left at room temperature longer than two hours, there is a risk that it will be contaminated with harmful bacteria. It should be discarded.
- After eating 3/4 of a pizza pocket, I noticed that it had green and white mold in it. It did have a slightly funny taste. Should I be concerned?
- Blue, green or white molds can be harmful. Some can cause immediate illness. Others are thought to be carcinogenic. If these molds form on firm foods, they can be trimmed off removing the mold plus 2.5 cm/1 inch surrounding it. But soft foods should be discarded because the mold can travel throughout them.
- I made a sour cream frosting 2 weeks ago. I used what I needed and refrigerated the rest. Is it still safe to use today?
- Leftover sour cream frosting should be refrigerated and used within to two days.
- Hi, I left some Deli american cheese out of the fridge overnight should I throw it out? Thanks, Linda
- To maintain top quality and safety, cheese needs to be stored in the refrigerator and should not be left in the temperature Danger Zone of 4ºC (40ºF) - 60ºC (140ºF) for longer than 2 hours.
- I PURCHASED A GALLON OF 2% milk and forgot and left it in the car approximately 12 hrs., it still feels cool not real cold to the touch of the plastic container, is it safe to drink?> It was never opened and the car was in an unheated garage, the garage is about 45 degrees.
- If your milk was left for more than two hours at temperatures above 4 degrees C/40 degrees F it may be contaminated with harmful bacteria and should be discarded.
- Hi, Tonight my parents and sister had a pasta dish and sprinkled it with grated mozzarella out of a bag. I then noticed while they were eating it that it had bits of mold in it and smelt funny. My mum said she checked the handful of cheese she used before putting it on and didnt notice any mold, is she safe?
- It is often difficult to see mold on grated cheese. But if some of the cheese was moldy, the mold has probably traveled throughout the bag of grated cheese. Some molds contain toxins which may cause immediate illness. Others may be carcinogenic.
- How yogurt taste if the temperature is too high and low
- Some factors could influence the taste of the yogurt. The initial fruit flavour itself and the time of exposure to a given temperature. Generally, the higher the temperature is, the more flavour the yogurt would have. Yogurt will have an enhanced taste as its temperature gets close to room temperature and its texture would be more fluid as well.
- I just checked a package of Feta cheese @ Loeb. The expiry date was for May 2009. Is this possible? or is the date incorrect.
- It is possible that feta cheese could keep that long because it is preserved in a brine solution with a high salt content. Feta cheese is often compared or called pickled cheese. The brine solution serves as a preservative along with refrigeration and that could easily explain its long shelf life.
- I ate about 1 tablespoon worth of creamy salad dressing with my supper (veal, rice, cucumber salad) that was 2 months (!) past the expiry date before noticing something was wrong. I have a minor stomach upset now but was wondering if there is any need to worry?
- There is a possiblility that the salad dressing could be at fault (except to the fact that the quantity consumed was small) but then it could be something else. At this point in time, it is unlikely that something else will happen. Monitore yourself and if you see that the symptoms get worst, do not hesitate to consult a physician. Rule of thumd, expiry products should not be consumed.
- Hi! Yesterday I purchased a Camembert on sale ($5.39 instead of $7 and some cents) in a fine store. When I came to eat some, it was dry and had a bad taste. I checked the expiry date and it was passed a month ago. I returned to the store for a refund but the clerks told me: "Oh yeah, it was on sale because the date had passed. It is always like that". I brought up the point about food safety but they did not say a thing. I told them to withdraw the product from the shelves, again nothing happened. It is true that I have purchased in the past Camembert from which the expiry date was closed or passed by one to two days but the cheese was strong and delicious; not dry and bitter like the one purchased yesterday. I want to contact the manager. Would you have some valid arguments to propose to tell him that it is dangerous and unacceptable to sale such products? And also, I ate a piece of that cheese. Is there a risk? Thank you!
- It is not recommended to consume expired product. it is surprising to see a fine store selling such product knowing that it could jeopardize its reputation. When talking to the manager, tell him that selling expired products is dangerous as he is putting the health of his customers at risk and it is not a good business practices. He should ensure good rotation of the merchandise. You could always tell him too that if there is no action taken, you would report him to the local health authorities. As for yourself, the quantity of cheese consumed should not cause any ill-effect. However, if you experience an adverse reaction that wanted to last for a long time, do not hesitate to consult a physician.
- I heard on the news one evening that mini carrots are processed with bleach to preserve their shelf life?? is this true?? they do turn white after cooking?? sorry if this is dumb and I got it wrong?? Judy
- Carrots are washed before being put in bags and it is possible that the water used is treated by the municipality or according to the authorities if the water come from a well. However, Health Canada does have standard for the use of chlorine in the produce industry. The washed water would not be over chlorinated. As for the carrots turning white after cooking, it does not have anything to do with teh fact of being washed. It is the oxidation by contact with air.
- How long can we keep cream of tartar?
- If the cream of tartar is kept in a sealed container in a dry place, it would keep indefinitely.
- I was making yogurt for my first time yesterday, heated the milk on the stove to boiling and added some powdered milk to it. Let it cool to lukewarm and added it to the containers with a tablespoon of plain yogurt and put in the yogurt maker as per instructions. I thought the yogurt maker was working, however, realized 5 hours later that it hadn't been. I fiddled with the machine and I finally got it to start working, and an additional 5 hours later my yogurt was solidified. Is it still good to eat as the incubation period for yogurt can go as long as 10 hours?
- When yogurt is prepared by manufacturer, its incubation is controlled by temperature and acidity production to ensure that lactic acid bacteria are reducing the pH thus controlling pathogens. In your case, the first 5 hours was not under control and you have to ask yourself what made the yogurt to become hard? At this time, I cannot recommend the consumption of the yogurt.
- Can we freeze fresh cream?
- You can freeze fresh cream. However, when you will thaw it, you might need to mix it very well has it might have a tendency to separate.
- I see Kraft Cheese Slices on display in some grocery stores, out of refrigeration. Are they safe to keep out of the fridge until the package is opened?...then once opened refrigerate?
- Cheese slices are processed cheeses that were treated at very high temperatures killing off bacteria in the process. The best way to handle the cheese is to read the instructions on the package. They should be refrigerated to extend their shelf life.
- We had purchased cream cheese and it had said that it was packed on January 23 2008. For how long should we keep the cream cheese when it is not opened yet.
- It is surprising the container of cream cheese does not indicated the best before date as it should because all fod product that have a shelf life of 90 days or less should have a best before date. Cream cheese should keep for at least 6 to 8 weeks unopened if properly refrigerated.
- What's happening to my cream cheese? I usually slice off a piece and put it into an air-tight container to serve. Even before the best before date I'm noticing red streaks almost mold-like on the sides of my cheese. I've never seen red mold before. Can you give me advice?
- The red streaks could be related to the growth of yeasts more than mold. It might have a sweet smell when you open the container. Yeasts produce spores that are everywhere and wait for an opportunity such as getting in contact with moist food and multiply to become visible as streaks as the one you describe. The cream cheese got contaminated during the transfer to that air tight container. Note that the "Best before date" doesn't stand when the package has been opened.
- I have just made a cream cheese frosting with Philadelphia and butter and powdered sugar. I noticed the unopened cream cheese was past its date it says 3rd June when its now 21st June. Should we eat it, it was only purchased this morning?
- It is not recommend to consume product that have passed their expiry date. It is not to say that the product might be hazardous to consume. It might be a problem of quality and this is what manufacturers will be able to guarantee that quality and wholesomeness throughout it shelflife. After teh expiry date, this guarantee is gone.
- I bought an odwalla protein drink. When I opened it, there was green and black slimy stuff around the mouth. What was that and was the drink drinkable?
- What you described here seems to be a spoiled product that should not be consumed if you can determine that it is not the proper normal appearance of this drink. Was the bottle properly sealed? Was there some sort of a tamper evident seal around the cap or a pull tab on the opening? How about an expiry date? Return the product to the store or throw it out. Do not consume.
- I am 13 weeks pregnant and have eating fresh parmesan cheese which have just found out is made with unpasturised milk. Will I have a high risk of catching Listeria?
- Parmesan cheese is known to not been able to support the growth of Listeria as it is considered an aged old cheese that is pretty dried and acidic. You could discuss the matter with your doctor if you want but I would say that you would be at greater risks if you were eating soft and semi-soft non pasteurized cheeses or alfalfa sprouts over the parmesan cheese. You should be fine.
- Can expired pancake and waffle mix make you sick?
- Pancake and waffle mixes are dried powdered products that could hardly make someone sick. However, if the mixes got hold of some humidity by not being preserved adequately, mold could grow and produce toxins that could make someone sick with time by being exposed to it. The other cause of illness that could occur would be rancidity as the taste of the product changes with time.
- Hi Mrs. Cookwell! I bought some small swiss cakes and today, i pull them out to eat some. I noticed that the best before date has passed 5 days ago. Is there a risk to eat them?
- It is not recommended to eat products that have passed their best before date. Even if the small swiss cakes might not be a health hazard as such, they might have lost their quality and freshness and could become rancid with time.
- i left an unopened container (48 oz) of ranch dip in the living room for 3 hours.the house has A/C is it ok?
- If the unopened ranch dip was purchased at room temperature it would be fine. Otherwise, there could be a need to keep the product refrigerated at all time. Consult the labal and follow the instructions.
- Dear Mrs Cookwell, it may seem a silly question but can you tell me if botulinum can grow into plain yogurt? Many thanks!
- There aren't any questions that are silly. It will be hard not to say impossible for botulism to grow in plain yogurt for several reasons. First of all refrigeration will be a factor controlling the growth of botulism bacteria. The acidity of the yogurt will not promote the growth of the yogurt as well and the presence of oxygen will not allow its growth as Clostridium botulinum is a strict anaerobe. So putting all those factors together, it is impossible for botulism to growth. On top of everything, you have competition with all the other cultures added to the milk to make the yogurt.
- Hi! Can we eat raclette cheese that has been frozen for 4 years? Thanks!
- When it comes to food safety, there should not be any problems consuming the raclette cheese frozen for 4 years. As for its quality however, it could be another story. The cheese would have been abused by the freezing temperature. Its texture and taste might be quite different now. If you still want to use it make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator.
- is it alright to eat muffins that are old, but still look desent? or will you get sick?
- It depends how old they are and what they look like. Usually it is not recommended to eat product that have expired unless they have been preserved differently such as freezing. Muffins usually will have mold growing on them unless they got very dried. They may not make your sick but their nutritional value will be questionable. Why eat them if they do not bring you anything good?
- Forgot to bring in all the groceries and left overnight in the car (about 20hrs to be exact) a large container of cottage cheese, yoghurt, and heavy whipped cream in an aerosol can. All containers were slightly warm to the touch. Can I use these products safely for baking? I live in Florida and outside temp was in the 80's overnight. Thanks
- Those perishable foods have spent to much time at very warm temperature. Cottage cheese and yogurt should be definitely thrown out as culture have probably outgrown the product rendering them unpalatable. As for the heavy whipped cream in an aerosol can, read what the label recommends. If it needs to be refrigerated at all time, then, you might have to throw out that one too.
- I left a store bought cake with whipped frosting and a strawberry mousse filling unrefrigerated for twelve hours...can i still eat it?
- I depends if the ingredients of the frosting and the mousse. If the cake was purchased from a refrigerated counter, it should have been refrigerated upon arrival at home. Twelve hours without refrigeration might be quite a long time. At this time, I could not recommend its consumption.
- If i marinade some chicken in yoghurt, chilies and spices can i freeze it and for how long, thanks
- As long as you have marinated the chicken in the refrigerator at all time , it will be safe to freeze it. Once frozen, il will keep that way for 2 to 3 months.
- My daughter had some cream cheese on a sandwhich at a friends house. They realized after she ate the sandwhich the cream cheese had expired months ago. This was a couple weeks ago and she seems fine. Would she have already gotten sick if she was going to have a reaction to spoiled cream cheese?
- It has been two weeks since she ate the expired cream cheese! Her chances of getting sick as very low and will eventually dissapear as time goes by. It is never recommended to eat expired product as it looses its quality and nutritional values not to mention chances of bacterial and or mold contamination.
- Kind of worried. We had a power outage. During the day we ran a generator to keep our refrigerator cold, at night we shut it off for about 6-8 hours to sleep, turned the generator back on in the am.(fear of fire). We have eaten the eggs,ranch dressing, and lunch meat,then heard it should have been thrown out after two hours?? How soon would symptoms of food poisoning show up? Do you think we should be concerned??
- I would not think that you should be concerned unless you really think that the food you mentioned was at room temperature for more than two hours. Once you stopped the refrigerator for the night, if its door stayed shut, the temperature inside did probably go above 4 degrees C (40 degrees F) but it surely did not reach 10, 15, 20 or 22 degrees C (50, 60, 68 or 72 degrees F) during the night until you started back the generator. As to answer your question about food poisoning symptoms, they could appear anywhere between 2 to 4 hours to a week or more after consumption of contaminated food but in your case, I would not worry too much about that. I hope that you have recovered your power.
- I have miracle whip in the refrigerator that expired in May of 2008. Is it still good or should I throw it away?
- It is never recommended to consume product where their expired date has passed. It is not to say that you will necessarily be sick because of that. There could just be some quality issue where the food could not be as nutritious ans wholesome as it was initially.
- Hi! Can you freeze cream cheese? I accidently froze a pkge at the back of my fridge and now as I'm about to use it the texture is more chunky then creamy. Is it still safe to use?
- The cream cheese is not a food commodity that someone would put in the freezer to preserve it. However if it froze as in your case, the texture might change but It would still be safe to use and might blend better if use in a recipe.
- Can you freeze fresh mozzarella balls (the large ones?) Thank you.
- Mozzarella balls will freeze but once thawed, its quality and texture might be different.
- Does Heat preserving plastic Lunch box cause cancer. Last week i replace my stainless steel lunch box to Cello Lunch box, as my food is losing heat in steel lunch box. the shop owner says (cello) is safe it has foodgrade sign in it.one logo is in it like heat and fork..Please give me a good answer...
- If the cello lunch box is labelled as food grade, the shop owner should be right. To put such a label, the manufacturer would have to have proof on hand that it is safe to hold food. If there is anyway that you could get hold of the manufacturer, I would suggest to contact them and get more information about the product.
- I ate some pasteurized cheese that had expired six months ago while I am 5 months pregnant. Is there any risks?
- It depends of the type of cheese and the way it has been handled during that expired period. You should not have any problems unless the cheese had been temerature abused and that it has been contaminated with Listeria during that expired time.
- is it safe to use heavy whipping cream after 1 month expiration date it has never been opened. I opened one and it doen't smell or look bad
- It is not recommended to use product that has been expired due to lost of quality and risk of food poisoning. Harmful bacteria do not give food a bad smell of a bad look but can still be present.
- I purchased some pastry filling cream cheese in a 2 lb plastic bag that was not refrigerated but states it needs to be refrigerated after opening. I want to use it between layers of a wedding cake but the cake may sit for 4-6 hours or more at room temperature at the reception. Will the cream cheese inside the cake still be okay to eat?
- That period of time might be a little bit too long for comfort especially for a wedding cake with cream cheese that would be served to a lot of people of all ages. It could be risky and I am surely not willing to commit myself and encourage you to keep it for more than two hours at room temperature. You should find a way to refrigerate the cake and shortened the time exposed at room temperature.
- Is it safe to eat cold pizza left out of the refrigerator?
- Absolutely not safe to eat pizza left out of the refrigerator especially if it has been left at room temperature for more than an hour (two hours in the winter months). It should be thrown out.
- Is it safe to use concentrated artificial (synthetic)fruit flavors after expiry date?
- It is never recommended to use a product from which its expiry date is already gone by. In this cas there could be a chemical breakdown that could affect the taste of the finished product.
- Hello. I have a pack of unopened sliced swiss cows milk Jarlsberg cheese with a useby date of 2009. As long as it is unopened, is it ok to keep it to eat up to this useby date, or is there a rule that it needs to be consumed within a certain amount of time once purchased and put in my fridge? Thank you!
- The cheese should last until that time if it is unopened and refrigerated at all time. Once the package is opened, the use by date does not apply anymore. The manufacturer must have conduct market test to ensure that is product is safe until that time if unopened.
- I was given a large bag of shredded cheddar. I should have frozen half, but did not. I now see a bit of mold, here and there. Any suggestions?
- On shredded cheddar, it would be so hard to remove the mold that you can see here and there without contaminating the rest of the cheese. It is not like in a block where you can cut off the contaminated area and salvage the rest. On the shredded, the growth must be all over and I am afraid that will not have any other choice than to throw it out.
- I work in a day care. We usually eat morning snack between 8:00-8:45. Our cook brings out our cart with our food and milk around 7:30 sometimes earlier. We were wondering how long milk can sit out for? Also, is it safe to put tinfoil over top of muffins or food that should be cooled before it is cooled?
- Milk should be kept refrigerated until ready to be served especially when it is served to young children; one of the groups considered vulnerable to food poisoning. It is a risky practice for a day care that could have tragic consequences. Why is there a need to cover relatively dry foods such as muffins if they are served shortly after being prepared? If there is a need, do not used tinfoil.
- I forgot the eggs in the back seat of the car for two days. Are they safe to eat?
- Not at all. Those eggs are no good anymore and could be very dangerous to consume. They have spent to much time in the danger zone (over two hours above 4 degrees C (40 degrees F)) where bacteria thrive and cause food poisoning by producing heat resistant toxins.
- i made yogurt by boiling 3.25% milk, cooling it to body temperature, added some store bought yogurt and let it sit for 8 hrs before refrigerating. i found a ton of pink/brown spots ONLY on the bottom surface - no where else. does the whole thing have to be thrown out? is it a yeast contamination? can i just leave off the bottom part?
- It looks like that your yogurt has been contaminated either by mold or yeasts and I would recommended that you throw everything away. It is probably only the tip fo the iceberg that you are seeing there, they are probably all over the yogurt.
- Can butter and margarine be left out overnight for use the next day? How about eggs?
- Butter and margarine can be left out overnight without refrigeration. Those two commodities have very low water activity where bacteria could not growth immediately. With time, they can become rancid at room temperature. As for eggs, they need to be kept refrigerated at all time as bacterial ovarian transfer can occur from the hen to the egg where the importance of refrigeration.
- we just purchased one and one half lb.packages of extra sharp chedar cheese and would like to know your advise about packaging for mailing! thank you
- You do not specify how long the mailing trip will take and if it is staying in its original country. Exportation of foods in other country could be prohibited for sanitary reasons. Extra sharp cheddar cheese is quite a dry hard cheese. If you can wrap it tight in a styrofoam container with ice pack, it should make it at its destination in two to three days.
- I accidently put a container of french onion dip in the freezer. I realized it about a few days later. It thawed out but looks like little curds. it is still good to eat.
- It should still be good to eat. You might need to mix it well before using it. Freezing that product make ingredient to separate as it is happening now.