Short Answer: If you accidentally eat bad Parmesan cheese, you may get food poisoning with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
Parmesan cheese is a hard, granular cheese produced from cows’ milk and aged at least 12 months.
It has a strong and nutty flavor that may be sweet, salty, and bitter at the same time.
It is a protected designation of origin (PDO) cheese in the European Union, meaning that only cheese made in specific regions of Italy can be called Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano.
If you accidentally eat bad Parmesan cheese, you may experience symptoms of food poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
This is because it may contain harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, or Staphylococcus.
These bacteria can cause infections and produce toxins that can damage your health.
Bacteria can grow on Parmesan cheese if it is stored improperly or for too long.
Cheese that is moldy, discolored, slimy, or smells bad should be discarded.
Moldy cheese can also contain toxins from molds, such as aflatoxins or ochratoxins.
These toxins can affect your liver and kidneys and increase your risk of cancer.
It is quite uncommon to eat bad Parmesan cheese due to its long aging process and low moisture content, which make it less susceptible to spoilage than other types of cheese.
However, it is still possible to get food poisoning from Parmesan cheese if it is contaminated during production, handling, or storage.
You can prevent food poisoning from Parmesan cheese always buy Parmesan cheese from reputable sources and check the label for the PDO seal or the words “Parmigiano-Reggiano”.
Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
Use Parmesan cheese within six months of opening or before the expiration date on the package.
Do not eat Parmesan cheese that has an odd color, texture, or smell. Cut off any moldy parts of the cheese and discard them.
Finally, remember, Parmesan cheese is a nutritious and delicious food that can enhance the flavor of many dishes.
It is a lactose-free cheese that is rich in calcium and easily digestible, high-quality protein. However, it is also high in sodium and saturated fat, so moderation is advised.