Mold that is not part of the cheese’s normal appearance
Strong sour, ammonia-like, or rotten smell
Slimy, sticky, or unusually wet surface
Discoloration beyond the cheese’s normal color
Drying out with hard, cracked, or shriveled edges
Bitter, rancid, or off taste
Unusual swelling, bubbling, or gas buildup in packaging
Package that is bloated, leaking, or damaged
Visible pink, orange, or black spots on cheese that should not have them
Texture that is excessively crumbly, mushy, or separated
Expired date far past the recommended use period
Any signs of spoilage after improper storage or long time unrefrigerated