Hello, I'm a food safety expert with extensive knowledge in the field of microbiology and toxicology as it relates to the consumption of food products. When it comes to moldy cheese, it's important to understand the types of mold involved and the potential risks they may pose to human health.

Mold on cheese can be of various types, some of which are harmless and even desirable in certain cheese varieties, such as blue cheese or Roquefort, where specific molds are used to develop the flavor. However, other molds can produce mycotoxins, which are toxic substances that can cause illness if ingested in sufficient quantities.

The risk of serious illness or death from eating a small piece of moldy cheese is generally low, especially if the mold is not a type known to produce potent mycotoxins. However, individuals with compromised immune systems might be more susceptible to the effects of mold and mycotoxins.

It's also worth noting that some molds can produce substances that are harmful in the long term if consumed regularly, even in small amounts, but a single exposure to a small amount of mold is unlikely to cause severe health problems.

In summary, while it's not common to die from eating a piece of moldy cheese, it's always best to avoid consuming moldy food to prevent any potential health risks. If you're unsure about the type of mold or if the cheese has a strong, off smell, it's safer to discard it.

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While you probably won't die from eating fungus, keep in mind that foods that are moldy may also have invisible bacteria growing along with the mold. The colorful mold you see on the surface of food is just the tip of what is going on inside. Most molds are harmless, but some are dangerous. Some contain mycotoxins.read more >>