Originally Posted by
melanieb
As a person who cooks and cares a lot about food, I feel okay to chime in.
I agree with Ophelia above on the cream cheese...wasn't thinking about what it was.
On anything else:
Restaurant and food quality guidelines would say throw it away, four hours usually being your max. As for home...(clenches teeth)it's kinda up in the air, but I wouldn't keep it more than 48 hours. Longer probably risks increased growth and tummy aches.
I bought some amazing Parmigiano Reggiano yesterday that is great when grated over soup. Cheese is a wonderful product, and best enjoyed when left out at room temp.