Eli5 your food has mold so you throw it out. Except for cheese, you just cut off that bit and keep going. Why is molded cheese still safe to eat, unlike bread or chicken?

Question

Eli5 your food has mold so you throw it out. Except for cheese, you just cut off that bit and keep going. Why is molded cheese still safe to eat, unlike bread or chicken?

In: 5187

Answer 1

The [FDA Food Code](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/molds-food-are-they-dangerous) is the main reference here (in the US, at least, but similar in other countries).

Mycelium can penetrate surprisingly deep even into hard cheeses. I would, and I’m a chef, recommend following their guidelines.

TLDR molded cheese is not necessarily safe to eat and that’s why we have food codes.