Even though it might make you gag, being totally grossed out is typically the worst thing to result. But, since mold is a type of fungus, some people can be allergic to it. According to Aranda, those allergies aren't often serious, but there have been cases where eating mold-infested food has been deadly.
Aside from the allergy issue, the other problem with eating mold is the mycotoxins it contains. But in larger doses, or over longer periods of time, they can become an issue. So what's the best way to handle moldy food? It depends on the type. Since it's easier for mold to spread in softer foods because of the way it grows—whether that's bread, cheese, meat, or dips—it should be thrown away ASAP.
With harder foods like carrots, strawberries, or hard cheeses, Aranda says it doesn't spread as easily, so the mold is probably just in the areas you can see.
While these are safe to eat, if a soft cheese that has been made with domesticated mould starts growing other types of mould, it should be discarded. It can be tricky to tell, but Dr Hocking suggests looking out for any patches that are a different colour from the rest of the cheese. One area of some debate is whether fruit jams and jellies can be rescued if they have developed mould on their surface. You can try to scoop off the affected jam, but its wobbly consistency means you risk dislodging air-borne spores that all moulds produce, that can float around, settle and start a fresh crop of mould.
The US Food Safety and Inspection Service says moulds on jam could be producing toxins and the whole lot should be discarded. However, Dr Hocking expects Australian jams would have a lower moisture content and are therefore less of a risk.
Moulds can grow in the fridge and will even survive freezing. They can also survive in salty, sugary and acidic environments. As mould on our food is so hard to avoid, here are some general guidelines from the US Food Safety and Inspection Service on responding to the problem:. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work.
The bread though, is probably better off thrown away, she believes. Assessing the risk It's not just an awful taste you're risking if you eat mouldy food. Actively growing mould can release toxins into food. What's the concern? So what do toxins from such moulds do to us?
Domestic dogs are at particular risk when they have access to household waste. What's safe? The jam and jelly debate One area of some debate is whether fruit jams and jellies can be rescued if they have developed mould on their surface.
To eat or not to eat? As mould on our food is so hard to avoid, here are some general guidelines from the US Food Safety and Inspection Service on responding to the problem: Discard all of these foods if mouldy: Luncheon meat, bacon, and hot dogs. The bottom line : Eating moldy food probably won't make you sick, but most foods should be thrown away at the first sign of fuzz.
To prevent mold growth, properly wrap all food and store it in a clean, dry refrigerator. Weight Loss. United States. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Taraji P. Accessible Beauty Products For All. Inna Polekhina Getty Images. Give it to me straight. What happens if I eat mold? You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Related Stories. Marianne Gravely, a senior technical information specialist for the United States Department of Agriculture, recently spoke to NPR on the subject of eating molds.
Gravely explained that some molds are safe for human consumption, such as molds that are used for making Gorgonzola or Bleu cheese.
These types of mold can cause allergic reactions in some, and respiratory problems in others. Because of this, Gravely recommends throwing it away in a sealable plastic bag, so mold spores don't escape every time you open the garbage. A post shared by Miss Mantis miss.
The USDA says you should refrain from eating bread with even the smallest traces of mold, because even if it isn't visible, microscopic roots can intertwine their way throughout the food.
If you find mold at all, they advise discarding the entire loaf.
0コメント