You may have already noticed suspicious products in your refrigerator. Some then choose to part with it without asking questions. However, even if these foods do not seem edible, some can be recovered. That is why it is important to carefully observe the affected food and be alert for various changes in color or texture.
As recalled by several health experts, whose comments were broadcast by the Daily Mail, mold is a type of fluffy fungus that grows naturally on food and plays an important role in the decomposition of the material. It reproduces by producing spores that are airborne and grows best in warm, moist environments.
But contrary to popular belief, “Not all molds are pathogenic. Sometimes some molds produce toxins, but unless you’re a mold expert it’s hard to tell which ones are pathogenic.”, University of Florida food safety expert Dr. Keith Schneider explained. For example, some molds can be removed by cutting off the affected area, such as on hard cheese (cheddar). Same thing for slightly firmer produce like carrots or apples. It is also possible to preserve the chocolate, depending on the extent of the mold stains. Note that the white spots, which can be found there, are harmless. It appears when chocolate is exposed to moisture, affecting the appearance of sugar crystals.
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Difficulty breathing, allergic reactions and skin irritation
Be careful, however, because other types of mold produce mycotoxins, which can, at best, cause intestinal upset and vomiting and, at worst, lead to organ damage and some types of cancer. Certain cheeses are particularly susceptible to developing mycotoxins. Soft cheeses such as Gorgonzola or Mozzarella and semi-soft cheeses have a relatively high moisture content, which provides a favorable environment for mold growth. Generally speaking, soft cheeses usually last about a week after opening unlike hard cheeses which can last three to four weeks after opening if stored properly.
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Stachybotrys chartarum is also among the sites of scientists. Commonly known as “black mold,” it appears on fruits and vegetables stored in humid environments, producing mycotoxins that are characterized by black, fuzzy spots. Among all fruits and vegetables, tomatoes are the most sensitive. Exposure to these mycotoxins is not trivial and should be taken seriously. In fact it can cause various health problems, especially respiratory, allergic reactions, skin irritation and in the most severe cases, neurological symptoms or organ damage. “We are exposed to small amounts of this fungus all the time and the body is generally very good at repairing itself, but when you have a large fungal population it can be dangerous. Dr. Keith Schneider added.
At the same time, scientists also recommend throwing away yogurt, but also soft breads like white sandwich bread, muffins, and bagels if mold appears.
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