Coliform bacteria are organisms that are present in the environment and in the feces of all warm-blooded animals and humans. Coliform bacteria will not likely cause illness. However, their presence in drinking water indicates that disease-causing organisms (pathogens) could be in the water system. (Washington State Department of Health)
https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/DrinkingWater/Contaminants/Coliform
What does it do to your cheese?
If your cheese becomes contaminated with coliform bacteria, it is likely to have lots of little holes in it, like a bread that has risen using yeast. Yeast contamination, from making bread in the same space that you are making cheese looks very much the same.
There are many kinds of coliforms, and most of them do not cause illness; however, if there are large numbers of coliforms in your cheese, there is a higher chance of E. coli being in it, and that can be a severe problem.
Should I eat this cheese?
The short answer is no. While the coliform bacteria itself may not harm you, it is an indication of possible contamination by other bacteria that can cause illness. Yeast contamination looks very similar, and the cheese will have a slightly yeasty smell to it. The taste will also be adversely affected.
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