Cheese is a most unique sort of food, in that it is essentially a “living” substance, with changing characteristics over time. Natural cheese harbors the growth of beneficial bacteria, and it is almost impossible for pathogens to grow on the composition of cheese at most stages of its production and aging. The use and re-use of shelves on which the cheese is stored to age insures that the pathogens never get a foothold.
If cheese DOES go bad, there is no question, because then it becomes rotting protein matter. Normally, there is a considerable amount of lactate/lactic acid, a very effective bactericide, and only the cheese bacteria can live in these conditions. When the lactate level gets too low, the natural resistance of cheese to rot and decay is lost, then MAYBE the FDA has a valid point.
But I suspect a very political decision by somebody that has little understanding of the art and science of cheese making, who got promoted into a job way beyond his competence and understanding.
I don't think it's political. Who benefits? This is the work of some utterly oblivious bureaucrat.
you said: “Cheese is ...essentially a “living” substance,....”
Please note that the attorney general or some doo gooder will want a law passed that anyone who eats cheese or cuts a round of cheese into parts should be tried for murder!
Can you say affirmative action dumping ground? Other incompetents too at $130,000 per year
Fed Government has way too much deadwood that needs pruning