Dairy
Soft Cheese, in brine or crumbled

Feta CheeseShelf Life, Storage, and Spoilage Guide

Sourced from
USDA FoodSafety.govFDA

Pantry

Not Recommended

Unsafe

Feta cheese is a perishable soft cheese and must be refrigerated. Do not store at room temperature.

Refrigerator

1 week

Store opened feta cheese tightly wrapped or in its original brine in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Freezer

Not recommended (texture changes)

While safe to freeze, freezing may significantly alter the texture of feta cheese, making it more crumbly. For best results, if freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place in a heavy-duty freezer bag.

Signs of Spoilage

  • Mold growth (any color other than the cheese's natural appearance)
  • Sour, off, or yeasty odor
  • Slimy or unusually soft texture
  • Discoloration

Room Temperature Safety

The 2-hour rule: Perishable foods, including feta cheese, should not be left at room temperature (between 40°F and 140°F) for more than 2 hours. If the ambient temperature is above 90°F (32°C), this time limit is reduced to 1 hour.

The 'Danger Zone' for bacterial growth is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C).

Promptly refrigerate feta cheese after purchase and use. Discard any feta cheese left in the danger zone for longer than the recommended time.

Expert Tips

Safe Handling

1

Keep feta cheese refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C).

2

Avoid cross-contamination by using clean utensils and surfaces when handling.

3

Do not leave feta cheese at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F/32°C).

Related Items

Comparisons

Cream Cheese (opened)Similar soft cheese storage.
Fridge
1 week
Freezer
Not recommended (texture changes)
Cottage Cheese (opened)Similar soft cheese storage.
Fridge
1 week
Freezer
Not recommended (texture changes)
Cheddar Cheese (Hard, opened)Hard cheeses have longer fridge and freezer durations.
Fridge
3-4 weeks
Freezer
6 months for best quality, safe indefinitely