Most molds also need moisture to live, but a certain type called xerophilic mold can occasionally grow in dry, sugary environments. Xerophilic molds can sometimes be found on chocolate, dried fruits and baked goods 3 , 4 , 5. Bacteria can cause foodborne illnesses, with symptoms including nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
The severity of these illnesses depends on the type of bacteria, the amount ingested and the health of the individual 1 , 6. Soft food has a high moisture content, so mold can easily grow below its surface, which can be hard to detect. Bacteria can also grow along with it. It is easier to get rid of mold on hard foods, such as hard cheese. Simply cut the moldy portion off. Generally, hard or dense food is not easily penetrated by mold.
However, if the food is completely covered with mold you should throw it away. Also, if you find mold, do not sniff it, as this may cause respiratory troubles. These food items can be used if the mold is cut off 1 :.
When removing mold from food, cut at least 1 inch 2. Also, be careful not to touch the mold with the knife. If you find mold on these items, discard them 1 :. Penicillium is a genus of molds used in the production of many types of cheese, including blue cheese, Gorgonzola, brie and Camembert 2 , 7. The strains used to make these cheeses are safe to eat because they cannot produce harmful mycotoxins. The conditions where they live inside the cheese are not right for the production of mycotoxins 8 , 9.
Other safe molds are koji molds, including Aspergillus oryzae , which are used to ferment soybeans to make soy sauce. They are also used to make vinegar, as well as fermented beverages, including the Japanese drink sake For example, Penicillium roqueforti is used to make blue cheese, but it will cause spoilage if it grows in fresh or grated cheese 2. Mold can produce toxic chemicals called mycotoxins.
These can cause disease and even death, depending on the amount consumed, the length of exposure and the age and health of the individual Acute toxicity includes gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, as well as acute liver disease. Long-term low levels of mycotoxins can suppress the immune system and may even cause cancer 12 , Besides being exposed through the ingestion of contaminated food, people can also get exposed through inhalation or skin contact with mycotoxins in the environment Even though mold growth is usually quite obvious, mycotoxins themselves are invisible to the human eye One of the most common, most toxic and most studied mycotoxins is aflatoxin.
It is a known carcinogen and can cause death if ingested in high amounts. Aflatoxin contamination is more common in warm regions and often linked to drought conditions Aflatoxin, as well as many other mycotoxins, is very heat-stable, so it can survive food processing. Therefore, it may be present in processed food, such as peanut butter In fact, mycotoxin contamination is a common problem in the agricultural industry, as mycotoxins are produced by mold in nature.
Different types of crops can become contaminated, including corn, oats, rice, nuts, spices, fruits and vegetables. Several factors influence the formation of mycotoxins. For instance, droughts weaken plants, making them more susceptible to damage and infestation 11 , Animal products, such as meat, milk and eggs, can also contain mycotoxins if the animals ate contaminated feed.
Food may also become contaminated with mycotoxins during storage if the storage environment is relatively warm and moist 12 , However, the number of samples that exceeded the safe upper limit was very low for most items The highest levels were found in pistachios and Brazil nuts. In comparison, none of the baby foods and only 0. Since mycotoxin formation cannot be completely prevented, the food industry has established methods of monitoring it.
The levels of mycotoxins in foods are strictly regulated in about countries 11 , 15 , While you are exposed to small amounts of these toxins through your diet, the levels do not exceed the safe limits.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to avoid exposure altogether. Some people have a respiratory allergy to molds, and consuming moldy food might cause these people to have an allergic reaction. In a small number of cases, people who are allergic to mold have reported allergic symptoms after they ate Quorn. Quorn is a food product made from mycoproteins, or fungal proteins, that are derived from the mold Fusarium venenatum 19 , 20 , 21 , In another case study, a patient who was very sensitive to molds experienced a serious allergic reaction after ingesting a bee pollen supplement that was contaminated with the molds Alternaria and Cladosporium However, if your immune system is weakened, ingesting fungal spores can negatively affect the digestive tract, upper respiratory tract, and even the brain.
Individuals who suffer from asthma or other respiratory issues should watch for signs of an allergic reaction. In some cases, toxins may have spread throughout the food. Keep perishable food covered in the refrigerator remember, mold thrives in warm and humid conditions. As far as cleaning goes, make sure to regularly sanitize your refrigerator, dish towels, and sponges. If a kitchen cloth smells funny or is visibly growing mold, clean it ASAP. Mold happens. By Corey Williams Updated February 19, As long as you have got a relatively healthy immune system, the most you will experience is some nausea or vomiting due to the taste or idea of what you have just eaten.
But if you are allergic to mould, it can bring on uncomfortable symptoms including irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
Also, although common bread mould isn't especially harmful, there are some dangerous moulds which can be harmful to your health and cause food poisoning. Although it might be tempting to simply tear off the mouldy bits in the interest of not wasting food or money, there is no guarantee you are actually removing the whole fungus by doing so.
The thread-like roots of mould can reach deep into the food, so simply removing the mouldy parts won't help. Thus, it is better to just toss the whole thing out. Simple steps to avoid mould formation include securely covering foods in the fridge with plastic wrap or containers, eating leftovers within four days, and not leaving perishable food out for more than two hours.
Apart from these, you need to keep a check on how much food you eat during the week. If you live alone, there is no point in buying a whole lot of food in one go and throwing it away later because of mould. A weekly guide to the biggest developments in health, medicine and wellbeing delivered to your inbox. Thank you for subscribing! Your subscription is confirmed for news related to biggest developments in health, medicine and wellbeing.
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