A grocery shopper has raised concerns after noticing something unusual about a Hormel party tray, urging others to stay vigilant when purchasing prepackaged food. As the holiday season approaches, a charcuterie board or party tray is often a go-to choice for celebrations, but no one wants to be the person who unintentionally serves food that could cause food poisoning.
In a viral video nearing 1 million views, dad Matthew (@singledadx2) spotted something amiss in the grocery aisle. At first, it’s hard to tell what was wrong.
Matthew found two Hormel party trays on a store shelf. One tray, containing pepperoni, hard salami, and crackers, had a small label that read “refrigerate after opening.” The other tray, which included cheese slices, also had a “keep refrigerated” label. Both trays appeared similar, but the one with cheese was supposed to be stored in the refrigerated section, not sitting out on the shelf. While this may seem like a minor oversight, it could lead to a health risk if left unrefrigerated.
Matthew, acting responsibly, informed a store employee, and the issue was resolved quickly, as he shared in the comments.
“Be careful this holiday season,” he warned in the video’s caption.
How Long Can Cheese Be Left Out?
If you’ve ever left cheese out by mistake or are preparing a charcuterie spread for guests, it’s crucial to know how long cheese can safely stay at room temperature. The general rule is that perishable foods should be refrigerated within two hours (or one hour if exposed to heat, such as in a hot car). However, the safe time for cheese to be left out depends on its type, moisture content, and whether it’s aged or fresh.
Here are some general guidelines:
- Soft cheeses (e.g., mozzarella, brie, ricotta): 2 to 4 hours
- Hard cheeses (e.g., cheddar, parmesan): up to 8 hours
Fun fact: Cheese is often at its best flavor when it reaches room temperature, which usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Can Left-Out Cheese Make You Sick?
Yes, although it’s more complicated. Most cheese in the U.S. is made from pasteurized milk, meaning it’s heated to a specific temperature to kill bacteria. This reduces the risk of illness, even if cheese is left out for extended periods.
However, cheese can spoil, and mold can develop, which is different from bacteria. Moldy cheese can cause food poisoning, leading to symptoms like vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
How Long Does Cheese Last?
To extend the shelf life of cheese, store it in the refrigerator. Here are some general guidelines:
- Fresh and softer cheeses: 1 to 2 weeks
- Hard cheeses: Unopened for up to 6 months; once opened, 3 to 4 weeks
Shocking Party Tray Discoveries
Commenters were shocked by Matthew’s discovery. One person said, “Those are all in the refrigerator section at my local store.” Another shared, “I’ve bought these for years, like an adult lunchable, and have never seen them anywhere but the cold section. This is WILD.” Someone else recalled seeing pecan pies labeled “Keep Frozen” in the center aisle of a store last year.
One commenter speculated, “It’s possible someone grabbed it from the cooler, then swapped it for the non-cheese one.”
