I am allergic to penicillin...I just discovered today that Stilton cheese is created by injecting a penicillin concoction into the cheese to create its blue veins. I haven't eaten Stilton since becoming allergic....will the penicillin in the cheese affect me?

It could.. many people develop allergies to foods that translate to medical substances... for example Shell fish and dye used for testing.

And to expound on Sher's post...Penicillin is derived from acids produced by molds and since molds rank high on the list of allergens it's quite possible molds are what you are allergic to.

I am allergic to Penicillin also, but I've never eaten that kind of cheese. Thanks for the tip. Now I know that I never will.

Thanks everyone.

Well I guess I'll just not ever touch Stilton, but I hope this doesn't mean I have to give up all blue cheeses!

Recent allergy to penicillin, but I can still eat all blue cheeses. Thankful, as I love them. The low concentration of mold doesn't trigger a reaction in my body.

Others are so allergic to certain substances they risk dying from anaphalactic shock: a severe allergic reaction which causes breathing to stop.

Depends on how severe your allergy is, or becomes. Consult your doctor for a considered opinion.

My rash appeared in minutes from the neck to the ankles. Itched for two weeks. Moderate reaction. Nothing stopped the itching.


For some, the smallest amount of an allergen is too much.

You may want to ask your doctor to refer you to an allergy specialist, someone who can determine the severity of your allergy and discover whether you would be allergic to the cheeses or not. Also, make sure it is clearly stated in your medical records that you are allergic to penicillin, make sure everyone in your family knows. If you are ever taken to the hospital and you cannot tell them yourself, someone has to tell them NOT to give you penicillin.

Yes, the penicillin in this cheese will affect you. I am extremely allergic to penicillin. The reaction is not life threatening but lingers for months. I would like to warn everyone here including Sorka to avoid any foods that might contain penicillin and sulfa drugs which are frequently given to farm animals and end up in our food. I've had at least two serious reactions from food that contained some penicillin in it.