However, they can grow on virtually any type of food and experts warn that they are not always visible to the naked eye.
This is because, aside from the fuzzy spores that sometimes serve as a red flag on the surface of food, mold also takes root deeper inside contaminated food, so you may not realize that you’re ingesting mold until it’s too late.
But what if you accidentally ingest food contaminated with mold? Doctors say that while you’re likely to recover, it’s important to watch out for certain symptoms that may indicate a more serious problem. Read on to find out what can happen when you eat moldy food and how to store your food safely to avoid getting sick.
Accidental ingestion of moldy food can lead to serious symptoms
Most people instinctively recoil at the thought of eating moldy food and know to avoid any discolored or blurry spots that would indicate fungal overgrowth. However, it is not uncommon to realize that one has eaten a moldy food only following having chewed and swallowed it.
While ingesting a small amount of mold is unlikely to cause a serious reaction, it is possible for unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms to occur, experts say. ” It is very likely that if you accidentally eat moldy food, you will experience digestive upset such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps« , explained Gabriela Rodríguez Ruiz.
However, Ruiz notes that in rare cases, more serious allergic reactions can occur, ” including anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening reaction requiring immediate medical attention“. Call 18 or 112 for emergency help if you are showing signs of anaphylaxis, which may include rash, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing and shock.
Some types of mold are more harmful than others
Some types of mold can be more dangerous than others, notes Gabriela Rodríguez Ruiz. ” The most common and potentially dangerous molds found in food are Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Rhizopus and Cladosporium. These mushrooms produce mycotoxins which can cause serious health problems when eaten“, she explains. Cereals, dried beans, dried fruits and coffee are particularly susceptible to mycotoxin development.
However, Gabriela Rodríguez Ruiz reminds that all types of mold can have health consequences and that it is advisable to throw away any food with visible mold or a foul odor. ” It is important to regularly inspect perishables and discard anything that appears to be spoiled. If you eat food that may be contaminated with mould, contact your doctor immediately for advice and treatment.« , recommends Gabriela Rodríguez Ruiz.
Don’t Attempt to Remove Mold, Experts Warn
If you’ve ever discovered mold on an isolated portion of your food and wondered if you might salvage the rest, you’re not alone. However, Gabriela Rodríguez Ruiz recommends once morest doing so, as it is better to err on the side of caution. ” It is not recommended to consume any portion of a food with visible mold, as it can quickly spread to non-visible portions and contaminate the entire product.“, explains Gabriela Rodríguez Ruiz. She adds that ” some molds can produce toxins even when they are not visible« .
However, according to a helpful guide from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), there are a few exceptions to the rule. For example, you can save a block of hard cheese by cutting around any visible mold with a one-inch margin.
Here’s how to store food safely to avoid any problems
By following food safety and storage procedures, you should be able to prevent mold from growing on your food. ” First, store perishables in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible following purchasing them. When storing products, be sure to clean and dry them thoroughly before placing them in the refrigerator. For added precaution, you can also wrap greens, berries, and other delicate items in a damp paper towel before storing.« , recommends Gabriela Rodríguez Ruiz.
She also suggests using airtight containers to keep moisture away from food and prevent mold from forming. ” Be sure to regularly inspect stored foods and discard any that appear spoiled or have an unpleasant odor. Finally, it is important to label and date all foods so that you can easily identify those that have been left in the fridge too long.“, she adds. By following these simple steps, you can help keep your food fresh longer and reduce your risk of developing mold-related illness.
My name is Sarah, and I’m an editor at 180back.com. Specializing in the areas of health, wellness and music, I enthusiastically share my knowledge, advice and discoveries to inspire and help our readers lead balanced and fulfilling lives.
