How does mold affect food?

Answer 1

There are many different species of mold and they produce a wide variety of chemicals, so it's really hard to answer this generally. Some molds produce very, very toxic chemicals called aflatoxins which are carcinogenic; other molds are not only innocuous but are intentionally added to foods (the mold in blue cheese, for example). Also, some people are allergic to mold, so a mold that is harmless to one person could cause a severe allergic reaction in another. If there's any doubt at all about what kind of mold it is it's safest not to eat it. It's simply not worth the risk involved if there is even the tiniest doubt. As they say, "When in doubt, throw it out". Food borne illness not only can make you seriously ill, but can also be fatal.

Answer 2

Aside from the fact that the mold is eating your food, and it is much less nutritious than the food which it eats, there is also the problem that many kinds of mold are toxic. They contain poisons which in some cases can kill you. Bread mold contains a toxin called aflatoxin that is often associated with pancreatic cancer.

Answer 3

First of all, if the mold doesn't belong on the food (as in blue cheese, brie, and some salamis), don't eat it. You have likely eaten mold and not even noticed. On the other hand, if you find out the food was spoiled with mold after eating, toss the remainder away. I, personally, would not suggest a run to the doctor unless you feel ill or develop an allergic reaction. If you are concerned, you can always call your doctor for advice.

Mold is an interesting spoilage micro-organism since there are so many different kinds and it will grow under conditions that keep most pathogens at bay (high acidity and under refrigeration). Visible mold at one end of a bread loaf will affect flavor at the other end, yet you can safely trim mold off a hard cheese. I've seen both pink slime mold and fuzzy green mold on cottage cheese. My grandmother would scoop that off and eat the rest - to no known detriment. I would toss the whole thing out.

Answer 4

If a small piece of moldy bread is eaten it will not harm you. However, consuming large amounts may cause stomach issues.

Answer 5

mold takes away the flavor of food and the vitimans that it could food could posiibly contain

Answer 6

Pathogenic fungi are fungi that cause disease in humans or other organisms. The most common symptoms are stomach aches or headaches. In some cases, some would experience flu-like symptoms.