Do processing and packaging affect the shelf life of cream cheese?

Yes, hygienic, sealed plastic containers preserve the moisture content and shield the cheese from light and air, preventing formation of mold, yeast, and bacteria. The foil packaging of “brick” cream cheese acts as a light barrier and reduces oxidation. Cream cheese processed by the popular “hot-pack” method (an additional pasteurization process that kills further bacteria and adds salt and stabilizers) has a refrigerator shelf life of 3-6 months. “Cold-packed” cream cheese is good for just 2-3 weeks unopened in the refrigerator or up to about 3 months in highly sanitary, protective packaging.
 
Source(s):
Dr. Rani Govindasamy-Lucey, senior scientist, Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research, University of Wisconsin
Prof. Franco Milani, Department of Food Science, Cornell University