How long can blue cheese be unrefrigerated?

Here's why:

* Spoilage: Blue cheese is a soft cheese with high moisture content, making it a prime target for bacteria growth. Unrefrigerated, bacteria multiply rapidly, leading to spoilage and potential foodborne illness.

* Safety: The mold that gives blue cheese its distinctive flavor is a type of penicillin, which is safe to consume. However, other bacteria can grow alongside, some of which can cause illness.

* Quality: Even if it doesn't spoil, leaving blue cheese unrefrigerated will drastically affect its texture and flavor. It will become dry, crumbly, and lose its unique taste.

The bottom line: Blue cheese should be kept refrigerated at all times to maintain its safety and quality.