Is unwrapped refrigerated cheese safe? Is unwrapped, refrigerated cheese safe?

I usually have Australian or New Zealand cheddar cheese or similar cheese in my refrigerator.  Recently I've been discarding the original wrapping which usually is not resealable and also not bothering with "cling wrap".  I simply put it on a laminated disposable paper dish and refrigerate.  Is this practice safe?  A 250 gram block is usually consumed within 5 days if not much sooner.
It is almost certainly safe unless it was left out at warm temperatures to spoil, or has molded, or otherwise spoiled in a manner not directly related to being uncovered.

It may, however, be unpalatable due to:


Drying out
Picking up flavors or odors from other items in the refrigerator


Since you are eating it relatively quickly, if you are not experiencing these issues, your practice should be just fine.

My own personal preferred method is to put my cheese chunks in a zip lock type bag, which substantially cuts down on the drying, especially for moister cheeses like mozzarella or semi-firm cheddar.