Point molds that can be seen with the naked eye on your bread and fruits are actually the tip of the iceberg. Spores, which are the reproductive cells of fungi, go much deeper by scattering, it is very difficult to see their roots.
You won’t get rid of all of them when you cut off the moldy parts. When you eat the remaining piece, you will have eaten a mouthful of mushrooms. This can lead to various health problems.
While most molds are harmless, some are dangerous, according to experts.
Some molds contain mycotoxins that can cause allergic reactions or respiratory problems. Especially those called aflatoxins are known to cause cancer. Mycotoxins are commonly found in molds on grains and nuts, but can also be found in grape juice, celery, apples, and some other foods. Aflatoxin is more common in corn and peanuts.
Cover your food to keep airborne mold spores away, use storage containers for perishable foods, store in suitable weather conditions, try to consume food within three to four days.
Moldy cheeses should also be discarded. Mold releases threads all over the cheese, creating a mess you can’t see.
In addition, harmful bacteria such as listeria, brucella, salmonella and E. coli can also occur with mold. Mold usually does not penetrate hard and semi-soft cheeses, such as cheddar or parmesan. So you can cut off the moldy part and eat the rest of the cheese. You need to cut at least 2.5 cm from around and below the moldy spot.
Some types of molds, such as Brie and Camembert, are used to make cheese. It is okay for healthy adults to eat them. Those with weakened immunity, older adults, pregnant women, infants and young children should not eat these cheeses. If you’re not sure what kind of cheese you have or what to do when it gets moldy, it’s a good idea to choose the warranty route and throw it away.
Sources: Live Science, Mayo Clinic
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