Can you get sick from spoiled feta cheese?
James Austin
Updated on April 03, 2026
Can you get sick from spoiled feta cheese?
Listeria is caused by consuming food which has been contaminated by the listeria monocytogenes bacteria. But one of the biggest high risk foods is soft cheese. These include Brie, Camembert, Ricotta and Feta and have been highlighted as one of the main causes of listeria food poisoning.
What does bad feta smell like?
Feta is one of the popular cheese in the US which you probably had tried before. Like all other cheeses, feta comes with a mild acidic tang. Some people also described it as a foul or unpleasant smell (see my explanation and discussion here). People even compared that to stinky feet, yeast, socks, or vomit…
Can feta be left out?
Like most cheeses, feta cheese should not be left out at room temperature. If it is left out, it can start to grow harmful bacteria. If your package of feta cheese was left out in the package or on a meat/cheese tray, it is not safe to eat past 6 hours.
Can you eat feta cheese left out overnight?
Sitting out at room temperature, Feta cheese is safe for at least 6 hours. The time is longer than for other soft cheeses because of the salt content. It is more likely to get dried out and unappetizing rather than spoiling within 6 hours.
What dissolves feta?
Soft cheese are not ideal to melt, however the microwave is the best way to melt feta cheese. Place your cheese in a microwave-safe container and add a pinch of cornstarch and splash of milk. Start melting on high for 30 seconds and stir well until it evens out with a smooth saucy consistency.
How long does it take for feta cheese to go bad?
The manufactured date is shown clearly on the label. After that time, it won’t go bad immediately, but the quality, texture and flavor won’t be as good as before. In general, if your feta cheese is still kept in unopened packaging, you can start using it a week later the date.
Can you use unopened blocks of feta cheese?
When it comes to feta cheese in blocks, as long as it’s unopened, it’s perfectly fine in its original packaging. Once you cut open the block and there are leftovers, you need to make a decision. If you expect to use the cheese within a few days, you can just wrap the cheese with a plastic wrap,…
How long is feta good?
Once opened, it only lasts about five days in the fridge. However, the feta cheese stored with a brine solution can last longer because the high content of salt adds extra preservation. If your feta cheese is sealed and submerged in brine, it can last up to six months in the freezer.
What’s the shelf life of brined feta cheese?
Once opened, the shelf life reduces to about a week. Brined feta will last far longer than cheese that is not stored in brine. So long as the cheese stays submerged and sealed, it will have a shelf life of up to six months.
How can you tell if feta cheese is spoiled?
Sour smell. Your feta shouldn’t smell sour. Color changes. Feta is a white cheese variety. Sour and peppery taste. Feta shouldn’t taste overly sour nor it should have a peppery aftertaste. Dryness. As we have mentioned earlier in this article, a common problem with feta is that it loses its moisture very quickly.
Is eating feta cheese everyday bad?
Provided that feta cheese is eaten in small amounts, it will not result in weight gain. Eating one or two wedges a day is perfectly fine. However eating two cups daily, on top of your other meals will most likely lead to weight gain.
Will feta cheese go bad in the refrigerator?
Like all cheeses, feta cheese can go bad. The shelf life of feta cheese can actually vary pretty greatly, depending on how it was packaged originally. No matter how the cheese is stored, it should always be refrigerated to prevent spoilage for as long as possible.
Does feta cheese need refrigeration?
If you will not be consuming it immediately, store feta cheese in a brine or milk bath. The milk bath will reduce the saltiness and help keep the cheese moist and mild in flavor. Properly stored in brine or milk and refrigerated, feta cheese will last up to 3 months.