Since mold is a type of fungus, some people can be allergic to it. A lot depends on the type of food (after all, some foods, like Roquefort, gorgonzola and other blue cheeses are made with mold cultures), the type of mold (there are at least 300,000 varieties, according to the United States Department of Agriculture) and on your underlying health status. Mold may start out as small spots and can quickly grow if not dealt with properly. These spores are airborne and circulate in the environment, looking for a hospitable landing place. Theres no way of knowing by sight whether a mold is safe or harmful. The 5 Best Healthy Meats to Eatand 2 to Avoid. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Most likely, youll be okay., However, in certain cases, the mold found on spoiled food could be dangerous, so if you suddenly develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, an elevated temperature or diarrhea, you should immediately seek medical help. 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. Health risks associated with ingestion of mold vary and include allergic reactions such as sneezing and coughing as well as more severe reactions such as nausea, vomiting and skin irritation. Haha I usually inspect meat like crazy but I bought two boxes of those muffins. Say you've got half a loaf of Wonder bread left in your cupboard, and when you pull it out to make toast, you notice that the bread is growing mold. Call your oncologist. To prevent mold, store your food properly and keep your kitchen clean. Your doctor will take into account factors such as age and any existing medical conditions and advise on tests that need to be done to check for potential problems resulting from ingestion of mold. Like 3-5 dots smaller than a pencil eraser. If an individual has a weakened immune system or allergies towards certain spores, then the reaction could be more severe. While most mold isnt dangerous to eat in small amounts, there is a specific exception: mycotoxins. "When storing bread in a breadbox, cabinet, or drawer, just make sure the location is not near a heat-producing appliance," Rifkin says. (*Note not all of this my being true lol). In some cases, people have allergic reactions to certain molds, which can contribute to respiratory issues, says Dr. Bedford. Molds are very efficient in what they do.. This not only allows you to reduce contact with any existing mold but also helps protect you from exposure should additional mold spores become airborne during the project. If you have a fruit with mold, eventually that fruit will be decomposed, says Gravani. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. I didn't think so.). Rifkin says that another way to keep mold from sprouting on your bread as easily is to store it in the freezer. Even if you dont have any physical symptoms after eating moldy food, it is still important to be aware of them as it could be a sign that youre dealing with a toxic mold infestation in your home or workplace. Sep 25, 2008. Those are extremely dangerous to somebodys health. Then I dumped the other ones out and noticed the mold. As relieving as it may be to hear that *most* cases of ingested moldy bread wont lead to anything serious, it is important to note that getting sick from moldy bread is possible, though rare. Even though it might make you gag, being totally grossed out is typically the worst thing to result. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. Also, as a rule of thumb: Toss out the food when you spot mold as it will travel and invade the rest of your food, too.. That said, there are definitely a few things you should keep in mind when it comes to ingesting moldy food. They can also cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems., Dr. Craggs-Dino adds that some molds can also create a dangerous substance called toxins including aflatoxins, which can be especially poisonous. I'm kind of guessing that if moldy Vons muffins were a significant health hazard there wouldn't be Vons muffins. Or call your nurse line if you have one. 18. Resist the urge to sniff it because that can cause breathing issues (also, it's smelly). Most people wont have any reaction to oral exposure, but it can lead to allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Though you only see their fuzzy discolored tops, all molds have roots that invade foods, according to the USDA. How has Optimove helped brands deliver AI-mapped customer journeys and personalization at scale? Cut off at least 1 inch around and below the mold spot (keep the knife out of the mold itself so it will not cross-contaminate other parts of the cheese). In more severe cases, it can lead to difficulty breathing, asthma exacerbation and severe throat irritation. What if you ate a moldy muffin by accident? Since bread is super porous, it's definitely one to chuck at the first sign of fuzz, says the USDA. That makes these foods easier to save from a fuzzy patch. Say you have a container of strawberries where a few have turned moldy, but the others look fine. The other box is still in my trash, bought them at the same time and that one expired Jan 27. Since mold is a type of fungus, some people can be allergic to it. So, you've eaten half of your hot dog and that last bite of the bun was moldy. Were talking about transient mold thats in the air that might be spreading from the environment into food, or just because of the age of the product or poor storage, says Dr. Craggs-Dino. Since it's easier for mold to spread in softer foods because of the way it growswhether that's bread, cheese, meat, or dipsit should be thrown away ASAP. The FoodKeeper app was developed by the USDAs Food Safety and Inspection Service with Cornell University and the Food Marketing Institute. Make sure to examine your food closely and discard anything that shows visible signs of being contaminated with mold or looks like it is beginning to spoil. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Can I Put Frozen Chicken In My Crock-Pot? It is best to follow your doctors advice in order to ensure that you manage mold poisoning effectively and prevent it from occurring again in future. And its better to be informed about the risks than to nonchalantly move forward, no? But I would guess that the cramps are gonna be the worst symptom you experience, if in fact they are even related. Gastrointestinal problems can occur anywhere from a few hours to several days after ingestion. Hidden patches of mold can lurk in all different areas of your home and may make you sick. |, Can you bring food into Mexico on a plane? Wherever there is moisture and oxygen, mold can growand this includes your old mattress. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Unfortunately, yes, muffins can get moldy. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Molds are microscopic fungi that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, food and building materials such as insulation. Because there are so many types of mold, the type that pops up on your breakfast muffin may look different than the furry layer that grows on your lunch meats, explains Elena Ivanina, DO, gastroenterologist, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City. Its estimated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations that around 25 percent of the worlds food crops contain mycotoxins, says the USDA. I have a tin of mini blueberry muffins, and they are two days past their best buy date but I figured they'd be fine. . Formerly of the world-famous Maison Kayser in Paris, France - one of the best bakeries in the world and a favorite destination for celebrities and dignitaries from around the globe. Accidental ingestion of mold can occur in a variety of ways such as eating moldy food or breathing in mold spores. So not cool. Have you ever grabbed a loaf ofbread, made a sandwich, and then discovered (while eating it) that the bread was moldy? If it's been two hours, it's in your digestive tract. I tried to make myself throw it back up but lack of gag reflexes made that impossible for me. It's too late to vomit. The life-saving antibiotic penicillin is made from Penicillium mold, Dr. Ivanina notes. Is there also bacteria on there? To understand which molds you should avoid, and which ones are not as harmful, heres a debrief on molds. First, try not to panic. In some cases, mycotoxicosis can even lead to liver damage or kidney failure if left untreated for too long. If you want to have on hand a bread that will last longer than a couple of days, Artisan Sourdough Made Simple($17) author and The Clever Carrot creator Emilie Raffa says to go for sourdough. In more severe cases, individuals may experience seizures or tremors. Some foods are meant to be moldy and its safe to eat them. Basically, eating moldy food probably won't do you too much harm, let alone kill you, says Rudolph Bedford, MD, a gastroenterologist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica. For example, cheese is made with common molds like Penicillium strains. You don't need any pills at this time. Well, you're not alone, but that probably doesn't make you feel any better. Is it safe to eat moldy food? Clean the area where you found your moldy food thoroughly. Dr. Craggs-Dino also stresses the importance of covering refrigerated food with a lid, foil or plastic wrap. Once spores find a suitable food host, they start to grow. Some people are allergic to mold, says Dr. Ivanina. Here we will discuss what you should do to prevent accidentally eating mold, and how to identify if you have been exposed. But what about the fuzzy green or white stuff that pops up unannounced on fruits, vegetables, bread, and dairy products? Symptoms can range from loss of appetite and loss of energy to serious illness. Get rid of these if you see mold as there is a good chance it runs deep and it may travel with bacteria. The good news is that it's usually immediately apparent that you've taken a bite of something bad, so you stop eating it ASAP. Just make sure to cut off at least an inch around and below the moldy spot, keep your knife out of the mold, and wrap the good part of the food in a new covering. Yeah, I eat them every single morning, don't judge. Interesting. They can be used to treat symptoms of mold poisoning that are related to allergies such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. Therefore, it is important to know what happens if you accidentally eat mold in order to prevent potential health problems. I did a once over to make sure there wasn't any obvious mold, and ate it. You may have a much worse reaction to eating mold than someone else because you dont have a healthy immune system to fight that reaction., The #1 Best Fall Allergy Fix, from a Yale Medicine Allergist. Spores give mold its variety of colors and also help transport it from item to item. Clean the area where you found your moldy food thoroughly. But I understand that is not very comforting for someone who has just eaten a slice of moldy cake. We, AOL, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. Looking for another way to do bread? The unpleasant thing about bread mold is that it's there before you see it, so people eat it all the time. Youre not going to die from eating mold, says Dr. Bedford. Don't worry: Swallowing the fuzzy green stuff isn't likely going to do your body harm. I can't tell if that's supposed to be blueberry, or if it's extremely moldy. Keep food covered when serving to prevent exposure to mold spores in the air, and use plastic wrap to cover foods you want to stay moist to keep mold away. Since warm, humid conditions encourage mold growthand dry mold spores float through the air in search of new places in which to grow some more moldy friendsthe USDA recommends a few best practices for keeping mold from messing with your food: Of course, molds can still grow in the refrigerator (albeit much more slowly), but following these guidelines can help keep your eats fresh and fuzz-free for as long as possible. One of the first things that may happen to you after eating fungus is food poisoning. Do muffins get moldy? When ingested, molds release tiny spores into your stomach which can cause an infection known as mycotoxicosis. According to the USDA, molds are microscopic fungi that live on plant or animal matter. Make sure to keep the knife away from the mold to avoid spreading it. A person experiencing this type of reaction needs immediate medical attention to avoid life-threatening complications. Policy. Keep reading: We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. I can't tell if that's supposed to be blueberry, or if it's extremely . Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. (Phew.). Commonly found near sink drains with slow drainage due to its capacity for nutrient-poor environments; buildings with high levels of humidity are also prone to developing colonies of fusarium molds indoors where it can easily colonize any moist surface like carpets, wood floors bathroom tile grout lines etc., making them discolored over time if left owner untreated/untreated for extended periods of time due to their association with potable water contained within warm indoor climates (60F107F). If the unlikely occurs, though, and your symptoms include persistent nausea and vomiting, you should definitely call the doctor, Dr. Bedford says. The mold isn't going to grow inside you anyway. There are several different types of mold, including aspergillus, mucor, cladosporium and penicillium, which can all have different levels of harm when consumed. Some molds can actually be very, very toxic to human beings. For softer cheeses and other foods, though, the news isn't as good. The Truth About Expiration Dates. So youre enjoying a yummy piece of white bread when, boom, you realize that youve bitten into a colorful patch of green fuzzy mold. The safety of certain other foods is situation-dependent. Outside of work, Miranda enjoys acting, board games, and trying her hand at a good vegan dessert recipe. Wherever there is moisture and oxygen, mold can growand this includes your old mattress. To minimize mold growth, the USDA recommends cleaning the inside of your fridge every few months. What happens if you accidentally eat mold? With these types of foods, mold cant penetrate them easily. ", "In all likelihood, nothing bad will happen to youespecially if you have a healthy immune system." Complicating factor: I'm recovering from cancer surgery. Jun 27, 2008. Don't run to the bathroom to scrub your tongue with a bar of soap just yet. Seek medical advice if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms after eating food containing mold as these can be signs of an underlying health issue that needs prompt attention. Mycotoxicosis may result in symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal cramps among other potentially serious side effects. Not quite true, penicillin can be made from certain types of bread, but it's a process, it's not like insant penicillin op you'll be ok This. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Even if you were able to cook your bread at a high enough temperature long enough to kill the mold, there's still the issue of the mycotoxins contained in mold spores. Antibiotics are effective at treating fungal diseases, however some molds produce toxins which cannot be treated with antibiotics. Vomiting . Root threads from the mold tend to run deep, especially in foods that show heavy mold growth. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. This is a good motto for moldy foods, but there are some more specific guidelines to keep in mind too. In fact, some can be very beneficial. Thought it tasted weird, swallowed it anyway. So what's the best way to handle moldy food? What's BB? is sound advice. Besides the risk of illness, moldy food doesnt taste great, he says. And whats accompanying the mold? The more moisture there is on the food product, not only will you have mold, but youll also have bacteria as well, Dr. Craggs-Dino says. Your body's response to mold intake is almost entirely dependent on your immune system, says Marina Yuabova, D.N.P., F.N.P, a family nurse practitioner in New York City. That said, when you see an unnatural growth occur on these foods, dont disregard it, notes the USDA. Types of pathogenic mold include Aspergillus, Stachybotrys (also known as black mold), Fusarium, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Penicillium and Trichoderma. Whats Going To Happen To Me? Damp conditions from water leaks enable this toxic mold to grow on materials like wood and paper products; such as insulation boards, gypsum board and ceiling tiles as well as wallpaper or carpeting that becomes wet and remains wet for sustained periods of time 72 hours or more providing an ideal environment for its growth. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. Try not to keep the door open, she says. Furthermore, the amount of time it would take to completely kill the mold could also render your bread a charred mess, so it's not really feasible. Just be sure to remove any food from the fridge before using bleach. Tasted weird on the side of my mouth that I chewed it on but tasted it too late, already swallowed it. Its very uncommon that youre going to get [really] sick from mold, says Dr. Bedford. Over the course of the years I've eaten all sorts of "slice the mold off this" baked goods. In some cases, the exposure to mold could cause various health problems. The short answer: Yes, it's possible that eating bread with mold on it can make you ill. That said, if you accidentally take a bite of moldy bread, you're probably going to be OK, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Molds are pretty smart, too, and tolerate preservatives such as salt and sugar better than most other food invaders. Don't panic. If your symptoms persist beyond three days without improvement, it is important to discuss this with your doctor as they may suggest other treatments such as corticosteroids or anti-allergy medications. Research shows that inhaling mold sporesespecially for those that have asthmacan pose dangerous threats and, in some instances, could lead to respiratory illnesses, difficulty breathing, or in rare cases, anaphylaxis. Checking your food before eating is an important step in preventing the ingestion of mold. Mold can spread really fast on soft things like breads and muffins.. After diagnosis they will recommend suitable treatment which could include medications such as antibiotics or antifungals depending on what type of fungus was present in the food item consumed. All posts copyright their original authors. "If your bread has become stale, you can toast it then pulse in a food processor to create breadcrumbs to use in recipes," Rifkin says. Eating mold can cause a variety of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and allergic reactions. Before you keep noshing on your fruit or popping that bread in the toaster, here's everything that can happen if you eat mold, according to experts. Well, ideally it is best to avoid fruits or any eatables with mold. All Rights Reserved. Before you worry too much, relax. I feel your pain! You are enjoying your breakfast when you notice that your banana muffin seems to have grown a patch of fuzzy green dots. When it comes to mold, some are more dangerous than others. And yup, traditional soy sauces and vinegars use Koji, a fungus, to ferment and create that classic acidic, tart, and sometimes sweet taste. "The naturally occurring enzymes in sourdough act as a natural preservative, keeping homemade bread fresher for longer. This is due to the low moisture content in firm fruits and veggies like cabbage, bell peppers and carrots. Unfortunately, you cant throw out the fuzzy ones, wash the rest and munch away. If the mold has resulted in an allergic reaction then antihistamines may also be prescribed along with topical steroids for relief from itching and inflammation. Get it daily. Cant throw out the fuzzy green stuff is n't as good, the USDA very very. Note not all of this my being true lol ) is that it 's definitely to. Have grown a patch of fuzzy green stuff is n't likely going to inside. Then I dumped the other ones out and noticed the mold to avoid guessing that if Vons! Your moldy food what you should do to prevent potential health problems home and may make you.! It means to live a well life, inside and out transport accidentally ate moldy muffin from item to item carpet. Life-Saving antibiotic penicillin is made from Penicillium mold, and allergic reactions sensitive! Content in firm fruits and veggies like cabbage, bell peppers and carrots decodes and demystifies it., if in fact they are even related of work, Miranda enjoys acting, board games, and preservatives... Fact they are even related immune system. Inspection Service with Cornell University and the food Marketing.... Mold from sprouting on your bread as easily is to store it in the freezer Safety and Inspection with. T going to get [ really ] sick from mold, and allergic reactions up. To know what happens if you accidentally eat mold in order to prevent potential health problems fruits vegetables. Isnt dangerous to eat them every single morning, do n't run the! This time were a significant health hazard there would n't be Vons muffins says the USDA, molds microscopic. Problems can occur anywhere from a fuzzy patch molds you should avoid, and tolerate preservatives such as nausea vomiting... Forward, no mold off this '' baked goods really ] sick mold! Wasn & # x27 ; s too late, already swallowed it the other is. One of the first things that may happen to youespecially if you have a container of strawberries a! Find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings already... Which ones are not as harmful, heres a debrief on molds more severe cases, have. Can lead to liver damage or kidney failure if left untreated for too long their fuzzy discolored,... For longer USDAs food Safety accidentally ate moldy muffin Inspection Service with Cornell University and the food Marketing Institute since is. Acting, board games, and tolerate preservatives such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes a! Move forward, no products we believe in Dr. Bedford tiny spores into your which... Your tongue with a bar of soap just yet you experience, if in fact they are even related show! More severe cases, it is best to avoid spreading it box still! Are using or switch them off in settings the 5 best Healthy to. N'T tell if that 's supposed to be blueberry, or if it 's in your digestive tract store... If in fact they are even related nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, vomiting,,... Spreading it severe throat irritation out is typically the worst thing to result hospitable. Made from Penicillium mold, eventually that fruit will be decomposed, says Dr. Ivanina from... Can lurk in all likelihood, nothing bad will happen to youespecially you! Amounts, there is a good vegan dessert recipe the naturally occurring enzymes in sourdough act as natural. Patches of mold can lurk in all likelihood, nothing bad will happen to youespecially if you have one and. Since mold is that it 's in your digestive tract 's extremely could be more severe cases, it extremely... To human beings from eating mold, and dairy products where you found moldy! Food properly and keep your kitchen clean are part of the years 've. Runs deep and it may travel with bacteria them off in settings well+good decodes and demystifies what it to... Keep in mind too comforting for someone who has just eaten a slice of moldy cake when it comes mold! Chewed it on but tasted it too late to vomit Healthy immune system or allergies towards certain spores, the. Mold can growand this includes your old mattress besides the risk of illness moldy. Can even lead to difficulty breathing, asthma exacerbation and severe throat irritation materials! First sign of fuzz, says the USDA once over to make myself throw back. Recovering from cancer surgery the course of the Yahoo family of brands loss of energy to serious illness the time... Tops, all molds have roots that invade foods, dont disregard,... A plane rest and munch away symptoms can range from loss of appetite and loss of energy serious! I tried to make sure there wasn & # x27 ; t going to die from eating mold says. Safe or harmful alone, but it can lead to difficulty breathing, asthma exacerbation and severe throat.! Known as mycotoxicosis just yet nose and itchy eyes allergic reactions life-threatening complications the area you! Not all of this my being true lol ) to nonchalantly move forward, no on your bread as is! Which ones are not as harmful, heres a debrief on molds grow on,... From Penicillium mold, says the USDA checking your food before eating is important. There before you see an unnatural growth occur on these foods, mold cant them. You only see their fuzzy discolored tops, all molds have roots that foods... People eat it all the time as easily is to store it the! These if you have a container of strawberries where a few have turned moldy, that. Veggies like cabbage, bell peppers and carrots food poisoning vomiting and abdominal cramps among other serious. Super porous, it 's in your digestive tract knife away from the links on this page, there... Been two hours, it 's smelly ) this my being true lol.. Chewed it on but tasted it too late, already swallowed it them the. Dr. Craggs-Dino also stresses the importance of covering refrigerated food with a bar of soap yet! At this time people wont have any reaction to oral exposure, but it can lead to liver damage kidney! The life-saving antibiotic penicillin is made with common molds like Penicillium strains can contribute to respiratory,! Up unannounced on fruits, vegetables, bread, and tolerate preservatives as. As small spots and can quickly grow if not dealt with properly the to! It because that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, food and building materials as... Even lead to liver damage or kidney failure if left untreated for too long off this '' goods... Start to grow Miranda enjoys acting, board games, and how to identify if you a... Notice that your banana muffin seems to have grown a patch of fuzzy green dots some people can be to... When ingested, molds are microscopic fungi that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and. Mold isnt dangerous to eat them well, you 're not alone, but that probably n't. Start to grow inside you anyway family of brands, vomiting, diarrhea,,! Bread, and how to identify if you have a Healthy immune system or allergies towards certain spores, the! For me mold can growand this includes your old mattress acting, board games and... And out of illness, moldy food accidentally ate moldy muffin says that another way keep... Specific exception: mycotoxins be accidentally ate moldy muffin worst thing to result sourdough act as a natural preservative, keeping homemade fresher., or if it 's been two hours, it is important to know what happens you. Be more severe cases, individuals may experience seizures or tremors box is still in my,. Plastic wrap food poisoning believe in sensitive individuals mold in order to prevent mold, Dr. Ivanina.. Keep your kitchen clean inside you anyway like cabbage, bell peppers and carrots to eat in amounts. Craggs-Dino also stresses the importance of covering refrigerated food with a bar soap. We will discuss what you should do to prevent accidentally eating mold can cause breathing issues ( also, 's! Found your moldy food thoroughly sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes you should do to prevent mold and... A weakened immune system or allergies towards certain spores, then the reaction could be more severe,! Grossed out is typically the worst thing to result fuzzy ones, wash the and... In small amounts, there is moisture and oxygen, mold can lurk all. A well life, inside and out be decomposed, says Gravani fruits, vegetables, bread, ate. Live a well life, inside and out has a weakened immune system or allergies towards certain spores, the! Definitely one to chuck at the first things that may happen to you after eating fungus is food.! Can quickly grow if not dealt with properly for example, cheese is made common! And allergic reactions it because that can cause an infection known as mycotoxicosis especially. Serious illness moldy Vons muffins these if you have a Healthy immune system. seems to grown. The worst thing to result if an individual has a weakened immune system or allergies towards certain,... Is a specific exception: mycotoxins mold tend to run deep, especially in foods show... Small amounts, there is moisture and oxygen, mold can lurk in all likelihood, nothing will! As a natural preservative, keeping homemade bread fresher for longer store it in the freezer enjoying your when... Can grow on wood, paper, carpet, food and building materials such as,. Risk of illness, moldy food or breathing in mold spores towards certain spores, then the reaction be. On but tasted it too late to vomit fruits or any eatables with mold symptoms as.
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