Molds are microscopic fungi that live on plant or animal matter. The production of spores is characteristic of fungi in general.
The spores give mold the color you see. Molds have branches and roots that are like very thin threads. The roots may be difficult to see when the mold is growing on food and may be very deep in the food. Foods that are moldy may also have invisible bacteria growing along with the mold.
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The health risks of mold exposure are many. “Mold can produce toxic substances, called mycotoxins, – says Katie George, a clinical dietitian at the University of Kansas Hospital – These toxins can cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions and illness. Aflatoxin, a specific type mycotoxin found in nuts and grains, can even be cancer-causing.”
The risk of damaging your health is always there, so it probably pays to take a careful approach.
Molds can grow in the fridge and will even survive freezing. They can also survive in salty, sugary and acidic environments.
As mold 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:
Do not eat these foods if moldy:
- Luncheon meat, bacon, and hot dogs.
- Yoghurt, sour cream and soft cheese.
- Soft fruits and vegetables
- Bread and baked goods.
- Peanut butter, nuts and legumes.
- Jams and jellies
Source: http://healthylife24.net/2016/02/24/is-it-safe-to-scrape-mold-off-of-food-and-eat-it/; http://www.abc.net.au
Do you have any experience with eating moldy food? Have you been given any advice how to remove the mold from it? Did you follow this tip?
