How can you tell if cream cheese has spoiled?

Here's how to tell if your cream cheese has gone bad:

Visual & Smell:

* Mold: The most obvious sign. Look for any fuzzy, white or green growth on the surface.

* Color: If the cream cheese has taken on an unusual color (like a greyish hue), it's a red flag.

* Texture: Normal cream cheese should be smooth and spreadable. If it's slimy, grainy, or has separated, it's likely spoiled.

* Smell: Spoiled cream cheese will have a sour, off-putting odor.

Taste Test:

* Taste: If you're unsure, a small taste is the ultimate test. Spoiled cream cheese will taste sour and unpleasant.

Other Considerations:

* Expiration Date: While not foolproof, the expiration date is a good starting point.

* Storage: Proper storage is essential. Cream cheese should be refrigerated and kept in its original container.

Important Notes:

* If in doubt, throw it out! Food poisoning is no joke.

* Moldy cream cheese is not safe to eat. Even if you cut away the moldy part, the entire container may be contaminated.

Let me know if you have any other questions.