Harden Elkington
So you’re munching down on a delicious slice of white bread when, BAM, you discover a colorful patch of green fuzzy mold. Ugh! Not only can (accidentally) eating mold be unpleasant and gritty, but it’s also frightening.
What happens if you eat mold? What if the mold was toxic? Should you go to the hospital?
First, let’s clear something up: not all molds are created equal. Some molds are actually beneficial, like those used to make cheese and antibiotics.
But the kind of mold that grows on bread is generally considered to be a contaminant.
Why do foods develop mold?
It all has to do with moisture and air. When these two things combine, they create the perfect environment for mold spores to land, germinate, and reproduce.
The mold then begins to break down the food as it feeds, causing it to rot.
Bread, fruits, and vegetables are all particularly susceptible to mold growth because they contain high levels of water. Mold can also grow on cheese, meat, and grains.
So what happens if you accidentally eat mold?
Generally speaking, eating mold isn’t harmful. The digestive system is able to process small amounts of mold without any issues. However, some people may be allergic to mold or have a sensitivity to it.
Some mold spores contain toxins that can cause illness in humans.
These toxins are called mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mold can lead to allergic reactions in some people, such as hay fever-like symptoms, sneezing, runny nose, and red or itchy eyes.
More serious reactions can occur in people with weakened immune systems, such as fever, shortness of breath, and headaches. In rare cases, mycotoxin poisoning can be fatal.
Can you cook mold out of food?
Mold can be killed at high temperatures, so cooking food will usually get rid of any mold contaminants. However, this doesn’t mean that the food is safe to eat.
When mold breaks down food, it releases mycotoxins into the surrounding area. These toxins aren’t destroyed by heat, so they can still be present in cooked food.
It’s also important to note that some molds, like those used in blue cheese, are meant to be eaten. These molds are safe and won’t cause any harm.
Can you just cut the mold off of your food?
It’s not advisable to cut the mold off of food and continue eating it. As we mentioned before, mold releases mycotoxins as it breaks down food.
These toxins can spread through the food, so it’s best to avoid eating any contaminated items.
If you do accidentally eat mold, don’t panic. The small amounts that are typically consumed aren’t likely to cause any harm. However, if you’re allergic to mold or have a sensitivity to it, you may experience some uncomfortable symptoms.
If you have a weakened immune system, you may be at risk for more serious reactions. If you’re concerned about your health, it’s always best to speak with a doctor.
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Can you wash off mold on food?
Mold can be difficult to wash off of food because it breaks down the surface of the food as it grows. This makes the mold harder to remove and also increases the chance that mycotoxins will spread through the food.
If you’re going to wash mold off of food, it’s important to do so carefully. First, cut away any visible mold and discard it. Then, soak the food in a vinegar or lemon water solution for 10 minutes.
Finally, rinse the food thoroughly with clean water.
If you’re concerned about mold contamination, it’s always best to throw the food away.
Summary
Mold is a type of fungus that can grow on food, causing it to rot. Eating small amounts of mold generally isn’t harmful, but some people may be allergic or sensitive to it.
Some molds also produce toxins that can cause illness in humans. Mold can be killed by cooking, but this doesn’t necessarily make the food safe to eat. If you’re concerned about mold contamination, it’s best to throw the food away.
So there you have it! Everything you need to know about mold and food.
Just remember, if you’re ever in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and throw the food away.
