What storage tips could extend the life of cream cheese?

 
Proper refrigeration--at 40° F or below--is vital to ensure the best possible shelf life for cream cheese.
Experts offer these tips:

• At the supermarket, leave cream cheese in the chiller until you’re ready to leave.
• Before purchasing, check that the container feels cool and isn’t damaged.
• Get the cream cheese home and into the refrigerator as quickly as possible.
• Never expose cream cheese to room temperature for more than 2 hours or 1 hour at 90° F or higher.

Source(s):
National Dairy Council Factsheet: “Ensuring Dairy Quality & Safety from Farm to Refrigerator”
Dr. Rani Govindasamy-Lucey, senior scientist,Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research, University of Wisconsin
FDA Factsheet: “Kitchen Companion”
USDA Centre for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Factsheet: “Safe Food Chart”