Why Process Cheese mold?

Process cheese is not known for mold growth. In fact, it is specifically designed to resist mold. Here's why:

* Low Water Activity: Process cheese has a very low water activity, which means there's very little free water available for mold to grow and thrive.

* High Salt Content: The high salt content in process cheese inhibits the growth of bacteria and mold.

* Pasteurization: Process cheese undergoes pasteurization, a heat treatment that kills most bacteria and mold spores.

* Additives: Process cheese often contains preservatives, like sodium phosphate, which further deter mold growth.

If you find mold on process cheese, it's likely due to:

* Improper storage: Leaving process cheese unwrapped or exposed to air for extended periods can allow mold spores to land and grow.

* Contamination: If the cheese was cross-contaminated with mold from other foods, mold spores can transfer and grow on the cheese.

Always remember: If you see any signs of mold on cheese, even on process cheese, it's best to discard the entire block to prevent the spread of mold and potential foodborne illness.