Eating expired foods can be risky business. Food that’s past its prime may have developed bacteria that could cause unpleasant symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. But is ricotta cheese still safe to eat after the use by date has passed? Here’s a quick look at what you need to know.
What happens when ricotta cheese expires?
Ricotta cheese is a fresh cheese made from whey, which is the liquid leftover from cheesemaking. It has a high moisture content and delicate texture. When properly stored, ricotta will usually stay fresh for 7-10 days after the production date. However, once opened, it should be used within 3-5 days.
As ricotta ages past its prime, a few things happen:
- Texture changes – Ricotta can become grainier, drier, and develop a chalky mouthfeel.
- Flavor changes – The cheese loses its fresh, milky taste.
- Mold growth – Mold spores are present everywhere, and given the right conditions, they can grow on cheese. You may see fuzzy spots or colorful growth.
- Bacterial growth – Harmful bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli can multiply, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.
So while expired ricotta probably won’t make you sick right away, the risk of foodborne illness increases over time as microbes proliferate.
How long is ricotta safe to eat after the expiration date?
The shelf life of ricotta depends on several factors:
- Unopened vs. opened – Once opened, ricotta has a shorter shelf life of only 3-5 days. An unopened container may last 7-10 days past the date.
- Storage method – Properly stored ricotta lasts longer. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below.
- Packaging – Ricotta sold in whey keeps better than varieties packed in water. The whey inhibits mold growth.
- Fat content – Whole milk ricotta has a slightly longer shelf life than part skim.
- Freshness – The younger the ricotta is when purchased, the longer it will stay fresh past its date.
As a general guideline:
- Unopened whole milk ricotta may last up to 1 week past the date if refrigerated.
- Opened or part skim varieties are only good for 1-3 days beyond the date.
Keep in mind that this is just an estimate. Trust your senses above the date. If ricotta smells sour or shows signs of mold, err on the side of caution and throw it out.
How to tell if ricotta cheese has gone bad
Here are a few signs that ricotta has spoiled and is no longer edible:
- Mold – Fuzzy spots or colorful growth on the cheese.
- Curdling – Liquid separating from the solids.
- Sour smell – A pungent, unpleasant aroma.
- Off-flavors – Strange tastes like bitterness, mustiness, or rottenness.
- Sliminess – A slippery, shiny texture.
- Dry, crumbly consistency – Ricotta dries out as it ages.
If you detect any of these properties, it’s safest to discard the cheese. As a fresh dairy product, ricotta doesn’t improve with age. An expired product will only decline in quality and increase in bacterial growth over time.
Can you eat moldy ricotta cheese?
No, it’s best to avoid ricotta cheese that has mold. Some types of mold can produce toxic substances called mycotoxins. Consuming these moldy cheeses could lead to mycotoxin poisoning.
Signs of mycotoxin poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Headache
In vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems, mycotoxin poisoning can be deadly. Don’t take risks with moldy ricotta. Discard it immediately.
Can you freeze ricotta cheese past the expiration date?
Freezing can extend the shelf life of ricotta by a few months. However, it’s best to freeze ricotta before the expiration date for optimal quality and safety. Freezing can’t reverse the effects of spoilage.
Here are some tips for freezing ricotta cheese:
- Make sure the cheese shows no signs of mold or spoilage before freezing.
- Portion the cheese into airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before use.
- Use thawed ricotta within a few days.
- Avoid refreezing once ricotta has been thawed.
While freezing can prolong shelf life, ricotta that’s past its prime may suffer more texture and flavor damage compared to fresh. Enjoy frozen ricotta within 2 months for best quality.
Can you cook with expired ricotta?
Cooking can make some expired foods safer to eat, but it’s risky with ricotta cheese. High, sustained heat above 165°F is needed to destroy harmful bacteria. Simply heating or baking ricotta briefly may not be enough.
It’s difficult to control the temperature throughout cheese custards, ricotta pancakes, and other baked goods containing ricotta. Bacteria could survive in pockets that don’t get hot enough. Reheating leftovers also poses risks if the cheese wasn’t initially cooked through.
To avoid potential food poisoning, it’s best to avoid using ricotta cheese in recipes once it’s past the expiration date — even if you plan to cook the dish. Make an effort to use fresh ricotta whenever a recipe calls for it.
Is it safe to eat expired ricotta cheese if it looks and smells normal?
It’s risky to assume ricotta is fine to eat based on appearance and odor alone. Some pathogens that cause foodborne illness can grow without significantly altering the cheese’s look, smell, or flavor.
Listeria is one concerning bacteria that may go undetected. Listeria can survive refrigeration and thrive at the low temperatures found in the fridge. An infected ricotta could contain high levels of Listeria with few visual cues.
Don’t let your guard down with expired dairy products. Always err on the side of caution and discard them after the printed date. With fresh cheeses like ricotta, the date is there for good reason.
What foodborne illnesses could you get from expired ricotta?
Eating spoiled ricotta cheese increases the risk of contracting a foodborne illness. Here are some pathogens that could be present:
- Salmonella – Causes salmonellosis, with diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
- E. coli – Can lead to bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and other complications.
- Listeria monocytogenes – Causes listeriosis, a serious infection with flu-like symptoms.
- Staphylococcus aureus – Produces toxins that can cause violent vomiting and nausea.
- Clostridium botulinum – Causes botulism, a severe paralytic illness.
High-risk groups like pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to these pathogens. But even healthy adults could develop symptoms.
Foodborne illness can rapidly progress from mild discomfort to serious infection. With dairy products, it isn’t worth the gamble.
Can you safely remove mold from ricotta cheese?
It’s not recommended. Mold can quickly spread throughout soft cheeses, so any visible spots are likely an indication that contamination is widespread. Trimming away the moldy parts won’t make the remaining cheese safe for eating.
Mold also produces root threads that dig deep into foods. These roots may not be visible but can spread mold below the food’s surface. No amount of scraping will remove these roots once established.
For optimal safety, discard the entire container of ricotta at the first sight of mold. Mold is considered a useful warning sign that the cheese’s quality has declined to an unsafe level.
What to do if you ate expired ricotta cheese
Here are some steps to take if you accidentally consumed ricotta cheese after the expiration date:
- Monitor yourself closely for symptoms of foodborne illness in the coming hours and days. Watch for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and other signs of infection.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated in case vomiting and diarrhea occurs. Water or electrolyte beverages are best.
- Consider taking a probiotic to support your gut health after eating expired dairy. Probiotics may help crowd out any bad bacteria ingested.
- Know when to call your doctor – Seek medical help if symptoms don’t resolve on their own in 48 hours, or sooner if they are severe.
In healthy adults, the immune system is usually robust enough to deal with small amounts of spoiled food. But contact your doctor if you have lingering or concerning symptoms.
At-risk groups like infants, pregnant women, and those over 65 should be especially vigilant and seek medical care promptly after ingesting expired foods.
How to safely handle and store ricotta cheese
To get the longest shelf life out of your ricotta and reduce foodborne illness risks, follow these safe handling practices:
- Refrigerate promptly – Get fresh ricotta into the fridge within 2 hours of purchasing.
- Use within 5 days – Consume opened ricotta within 5 days for optimum freshness and safety.
- Check the date – Look for the expiration or use by date and follow it.
- Store sealed – After opening, rewrap or reseal ricotta tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container.
- Monitor temperature – Ensure your fridge stays at 40°F or below.
- Avoid cross-contamination – Keep ricotta away from raw meats and other contaminants.
With proper refrigeration and handling, ricotta can stay fresh for a week past the date on the package. For the healthiest, tastiest ricotta cheese, use it as soon as possible after purchase and don’t keep leftovers too long.
The bottom line
Out of date ricotta cheese is risky business. This fresh dairy product has a limited shelf life and can quickly grow dangerous bacteria after the expiration date. For optimal safety and eating quality, use ricotta within 5 days of opening and don’t consume it past 1 week beyond the printed date — even if it looks okay.
When in doubt, remember the old adage “When it’s past the date, don’t hesitate – out of date, throw it away!” With dairy foods, it’s always better to be safe than sorry to avoid foodborne illness.
