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Food mold on bread and berries and what experts say you should do
Fox News • • health
Key Points:
- A German survey found that nearly one-third of people cut mold off food and eat the rest, but this may not remove harmful mycotoxins, which are not destroyed by cooking or baking.
- Experts note that the risk from moldy food depends on the type of food; firm fruits may be safe if moldy parts are cut away, while soft or water-rich foods with mold should be discarded.
- Mold on bread should always lead to discarding the entire loaf, as mold can penetrate deeply, unlike on firmer produce where surface cutting might suffice.
- While some molds produce allergens or toxins, accidental ingestion of small amounts of moldy food is generally not harmful for healthy individuals, though those with allergies or weakened immune systems should be more cautious.
- To reduce mold risk, experts advise refrigerating food, buying smaller quantities, and discarding visibly moldy or mushy produce rather than trying to salvage it.
