Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Food Safety on April 29, 2022
Unfortunately, cheesecake doesn’t last forever. Since cheesecake contains dairy products, it will only last 3 to 7 days in the fridge. However, it is recommended to be consumed within 2-3 days to ensure optimal freshness.
To maximize a cheesecake’s quality and shelf life, stick it in the refrigerator as soon as possible after baking or buying. Store it in an airtight container or tightly wrap it in plastic wrap. The goal is to minimize moisture and keep it from picking up flavors from other food in the fridge. If it is too difficult to wrap the cheesecake without damaging it, place it in a sheet pan, then cover the pan with plastic wrap.
Frozen cheesecake will last approximately 1-2 months before it begins to lose quality. To freeze the cake, cut it into pieces, then wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you are ready to eat it, thaw cheesecake in the refrigerator overnight or for 8 to 12 hours, then bring it to room temperature on the counter for two to three hours before serving. The other option is to leave it on the counter for four to five hours until it defrosts completely. How long it takes will depend on the size of your dessert, and it is faster than thawing it in the fridge. However, you must consume it immediately to avoid spoilage.
Cheesecake should not be left out at room temperature for longer than two hours. If cheesecake is left out too long, bacteria will grow and can cause food poisoning if ingested. The effects of foodborne illness can range in severity and often cause flu-like symptoms, such as upset stomach, cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
Keep an eye out for the following signs that cheesecake should be discarded:
If it is a store-bought cheesecake, first check the packaging or a wrapper for the “use by” date to verify when the cheesecake is no longer safe to eat.
Smell the cheesecake to test its freshness if there are no visible signs of it being rotten or spoiled. If the cheesecake smells sour or foul, it is likely spoiled and inedible.
Visible discoloration, dark spots, or mold are definite signs that the cheesecake is spoiled.
Fresh cheesecake usually has smooth, even edges and is soft. If it is stale, it will have crusty and broken edges, and if it is spoiled, the cheese filling will appear rubbery.
As previously mentioned, eating expired cheesecake can cause foodborne illness due to consuming dangerous amounts of harmful bacteria. For example, E. coli or Campylobacter. In severe cases, some bacterial toxins can be life-threatening by damaging the kidneys. If you or a loved one suffered serious complications due to ingesting contaminated food, Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help.
If you are concerned about whether cheesecake is safe to eat, it is best not to risk it and throw it out.