Hi everyone,

I am a big fan of laughing cow and eat one most every day for a snack at work. Occasionally I don't eat my snack (or rather eat a different one), and when I get home I realize my laughing cow wedge has been out of the refrigerator all day. Is it still ok to eat? What if it's been left a day and then overnight? I know my mom used to carry a box of crackers and block of cheese in the car for snacks, so I'm guessing cheese in general does pretty well out of the refrig - but for how long?

Thanks... I hate wasting it.

It should be fine. Have you ever been in ethnic cheese shops? Refrigeration isn't even a concept. As long as the temperature doesn't get too high, the cheese should maintain its texture and be fine.

That's what I was hoping.

Thanks!

It isn't a hard cheese, though so I wouldn't leave it out for days, or in very warm weather.

Of course, the nice thing about cheese, even soft cheeses, is you generally find it inedible (because of odor or mold) before it would make you sick.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't it say on the package that it can be stored at room temperature? I typically put mine in the refrigerator (because that's where all cheese goes) but I've kept them at my desk at room temperature for days on end (unopened).

The Laughing Cow web site states in their FAQ section


Q Do The Laughing Cow® Wedges need to be refrigerated?

A For the best taste and texture, it is best to store wedges in the refrigerator. However, they can be safely stored in cool, dry conditions for a limited length of time, and are great for adding to lunch boxes or taking to work for a quick snack.


So there ya go... of course it doesn't say what limited length of time is

Thanks for all the info. I have some that were left out for 2 days or so... I don't think they got too warm, so I'm going to eat them.

So long as they don't smell bad or have visible mold, I think they should be fine. I've noticed that my Cost Plus, which sells the wedges, doesn't bother to refridgerate them and I have to believe they can sit on the shelf for several days to a week there, if not longer.