Moldy Cheese: Can It Cause Cancer?

Cheese is one of the most beloved foods around the world thanks to its delicious flavor and high nutritional value. However, many people have experienced moldy cheese after a period of storage and wonder: "Can moldy cheese cause cancer?"
This article will help you understand the issue more clearly, from the causes of mold on cheese, types of mold you may encounter, the link between mold and cancer, to how to store and use cheese properly.

• 1. Why Does Cheese Get Moldy?
• 2. Should You Eat Moldy Cheese?
• 3. Can Mold on Cheese Cause Cancer?
• 4. How to Tell the Difference Between Good and Bad Mold on Cheese
• 5. What to Do If You Find Mold on Cheese
• 6. How to Store Cheese Properly to Avoid Mold
• 7. Conclusion

1. Why Does Cheese Get Moldy?

Cheese is made from milk and is rich in protein and fat — an ideal environment for bacteria and mold to grow if not stored properly. Mold may develop due to:

• Being kept in damp or unsuitable temperatures
• Exposure to air for too long or contact with dirty air
• Using unclean utensils to handle cheese
• Being past or near its expiration date

2. Should You Eat Moldy Cheese?

Not all moldy cheese is unsafe to eat. Some cheeses are intentionally made with mold under strict control, such as:

• Blue cheeses (e.g. Roquefort, Gorgonzola): contain the mold Penicillium roqueforti, which is safe to consume
• Brie, Camembert: have a white mold rind from Penicillium camemberti, also considered harmless

However, if regular cheeses (like sliced cheese, cheese sticks, fresh cheese, etc.) naturally develop mold, you should not eat them — it's a sign the product has gone bad.

3. Can Mold on Cheese Cause Cancer?

Some types of mold can produce aflatoxins — toxic compounds known to increase the risk of liver cancer when accumulated in the body over time. This is especially concerning if you consume:

• Cheese with uncontrolled natural mold
• Cheese stored improperly or kept too long
• Cheese showing green, black mold, or having an unpleasant odor

Aflatoxins are highly toxic, persistent in the environment, and cannot be fully destroyed by regular cooking heat. While a small amount may not cause immediate harm, long-term accumulation can lead to serious health problems — including cancer.

4. How to Tell the Difference Between Good and Bad Mold on Cheese

5. What to Do If You Find Mold on Cheese

• Hard cheeses (like Parmesan, Cheddar): If the mold is only on the surface and the inside looks fine, you can cut off at least 1 cm around the moldy area and use the rest.
• Soft cheeses (like Mozzarella, Cream cheese): If mold appears, it's best to throw the entire cheese away, as the mold may have spread deep inside.

Never try to "wash off" or "scrape off" mold from soft cheeses — bacteria and toxins may still be present and harmful to your health.

6. How to Store Cheese Properly to Avoid Mold

• Keep in the refrigerator at 2–5°C (35–41°F)
• Wrap tightly in wax paper or food wrap to avoid air exposure
• Don’t store near foods with strong odors like garlic or onions
• Avoid touching cheese with wet or dirty hands
• Check expiration dates and consume soon after opening

7. Conclusion

Moldy cheese doesn't always cause cancer, but if mold develops naturally and uncontrollably on cheeses not intended to mold, it can be dangerous. Some molds produce aflatoxins, which can cause liver cancer, especially with long-term exposure.

To stay safe, be cautious when consuming cheese, learn to recognize good vs. harmful mold, and always store your cheese properly to protect your health and that of your family.

If you found this article helpful, feel free to share it with your family and friends so everyone can enjoy safer eating!