surface fleck. The nose is a decent judge here. A clean block smells like cheddar, not like a basement.
How to Store Cheddar So It Doesn’t Mold
The plastic wrap that cheddar comes home in is part of the problem. Tight plastic traps moisture against the surface, and moisture is exactly what mold wants. Better to wrap the block in wax or parchment paper first, then loosely in foil or drop it in a lightly closed container. That lets the cheese breathe a little while staying protected.
Keep it cold