Mold is likely growing beneath the surface too, and theres a good chance that the mold is traveling with bacteria. My 4yr old son ate 3 really moldy blueberry muffins just now, before we can get to him. Symptoms can range from loss of appetite and loss of energy to serious illness. Your doctor may also suggest certain lifestyle modifications such as avoiding certain food groups that could trigger a reaction in your body after being exposed to mold poisoning. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from watery eyes and coughing to asthma attacks and difficulty breathing. People who have pre-existing allergies or asthma may be more sensitive to mold allergens and experience more severe reactions than in a healthy person. If you have accidentally eaten moldy bread, there are a few things you can do. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=f6da93d0-6850-44b9-a6b9-f62dcef33270&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "f6da93d0-6850-44b9-a6b9-f62dcef33270" }).render("a62a84b67add450880a65f158730a944"); }); Where Does Mold Grow at Home? If your doctor suspects a mold allergy is to blame, you will likely be referred for testing, she says. In many of these cases, mold is totally safe to eat, the USDA says. Because of that, you could cut out the yucky spots and enjoy the rest if you want tobut overall, it's best not to take your chances. I didn't think so.). is sound advice. However, this isn't exactly the case. WTF is growing out of the floor in my basement? This is how our bodies know not to eat them. Most healthy people can accidentally eat some mold here and there and feel totally fine. The other box is still in my trash, bought them at the same time and that one expired Jan 27. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Luckily, there are far more dangerous molds out there than the variety ruining your sammy. But in larger doses, or over longer periods of time, they can become an issue. For example, cheese is made with common molds like Penicillium strains. Be mindful of the fact that you ate it, says dietitian Lillian Craggs-Dino, DHA, RDN, LDN. Most likely you will not have toxicity with just few bites. Before you worry too much, relax. And make sure you dont have any symptoms for the rest of that day. 14 Food Parts You Should Never Throw in the Garbage. We, AOL, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. In general, molds consist of root threads that run deep into food, a stalk that rises above the food and spores at the end of the stalks. As the body recognizes the presence of a foreign substance ingested with the mold, an allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis can occur. Dont forget to always empty open cans of perishable foods into clean containers and refrigerate them right away. "For the most part, if you consume a little bit once or twice, you'll probably be okay. Additionally, if a food item has been left in the refrigerator for too long, this could be an indication of potential growth of mold spores, so its important to take a close look at all items before eating them. The bottom line is its impossible to tell in advance whether the moldy food youre eating is safe, so the best course of action is to be cautious. Youre not just eating mold youre eating bacteria. Bacteria can cause serious foodborne illnesses such as listeria, which commonly grows on lunch meat and cheese, even in the refrigerator. With harder foods like carrots, strawberries, or hard cheeses, Aranda says it doesn't spread as easily, so the mold is probably just in the areas you can see. |, Remote work drives cloud directory service demand. You have already taken a bite or two. How has Optimove helped brands deliver AI-mapped customer journeys and personalization at scale? 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. All rights reserved. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. Toxins, if present in the mold, could be harmful to a developing foetus, but only if consumed on a regular basis. How Much Sushi Is It Safe To Eat Per Week? First, dont panic. 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. 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. In this article, we will discuss the best methods for treating mold poisoning and how to prevent it from happening in the future. Thought it tasted weird, swallowed it anyway. Some are highly toxic, which can get you really sick or cause cancer, says Gravani. That said, don't worry too muchyou have some control over the situation. Just be sure to remove any food from the fridge before using bleach. The Truth About Expiration Dates. Resist the urge to sniff it because that can cause breathing issues (also, it's smelly). But all of these molds are generally considered safe to eat, since theyre consumed as part of the food theyre used to make, Gans explains. Types of pathogenic mold include Aspergillus, Stachybotrys (also known as black mold), Fusarium, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Penicillium and Trichoderma. You don't need any pills at this time. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Eating mold can trigger neurological symptoms due to the presence of mycotoxins. They are pretty hearty critters, Gravani says. Mold can be quite subtle, and it can also look like some harmless white fuzz on your food, it's still mold, though, and there's likely to be even more mold rooted deep inside your meal that you don't see until it's too late. All molds need water or moisture to grow. Ugh! Lecturer on bread making at Harvard University Extension School, Boston MA; lecturer on French cuisine at Boston Colleges Culinary Institute, Chestnut Hill MA; contributor to publications such as The New York Times and Bon Apptit Magazine. Food poisoning. The rule of thumb for these types of food is to discard. Though you only see their fuzzy discolored tops, all molds have roots that invade foods, according to the USDA. Just monitor your body over the next couple days. It was dark and she didn't notice it had a few mold spots. Policy. Is it safe to eat moldy food? My last BB had someone eating a moldy blueberry bagel. It could be a good idea to call a nurse or doctor and ask, but I think you should be fine. Just take a closer look next time so you avoid the ickiness andthe possibility of getting sick. It's better to play it safe and find another snack," he explains. 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. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. 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. Unfortunately, yes, muffins can get moldy. Like 3-5 dots smaller than a pencil eraser. You are enjoying your breakfast when you notice that your banana muffin seems to have grown a patch of fuzzy green dots. It depends on the type of mold and types of foods that tend to grow mold more quickly than others. 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. Mold is a type of fungus that can be found indoors and outdoors almost anywhere. Haha I usually inspect meat like crazy but I bought two boxes of those muffins. Antihistamines are medications that block the effects of the chemical histamine, which is responsible for allergic reactions. The best way you can avoid eating mycotoxins is by preventing mold growth in the first place, Gans says. It is also important to be aware that some species of mold produce toxins even when growth appears minimal so having a specialist check for toxins regularly is recommended for a safe living environment. (*Note not all of this my being true lol). In more severe cases, individuals may experience seizures or tremors. Products that can't be sufficiently resealed like cans, bags, takeout containers, etcetera should be swapped out for clean, airtight containers or plastic wrap. 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.. I saw another person's question about eating moldy cheese, and the response was that. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Understanding the differences between these molds can help you make an informed decision if you ever accidentally consume them. Accidental ingestion of mold can occur in a variety of ways such as eating moldy food or breathing in mold spores. 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. What if the mold was dangerous? Now I do recall eating a piece of moldy bread once and being fine but my concern is the fact that probably means there was other bacteria present and the fact that I'm pregnant. This is usually mold in the environment as opposed to food, but for these people, exposure to mold can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or headaches. Although you may be tempted to do so, avoid taking a sniff of the moldy bread to confirm if its actually gone bad. Essentially, the longer your food is exposed to air or stored in the fridge, the more likely it is to grow mold. What Happens When You Eat Mold By Accident. Non-pathogenic molds are usually harmless to humans and animals, while pathogenic molds are capable of causing serious health problems if left unchecked. Like cheese, there are different rules for fruits and vegetables based on the texture. According to Mold Busters, your toaster has to reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit in order to even start killing off mold spores. Vomiting . That's because many types of mold aren't harmful just be sure to keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms for the rest of the day. Is it a type of mold that actually causes a toxin and can be extremely dangerous for your health? 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. 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. A mold is microscopic fungus, says Dr. Craggs-Dino. Be sure also to avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meats, poultry, and seafood separate from other food items when storing. Like, if they were weaponizable they'd all be in the possession of military contractors now. 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. If theres a little spillage of food, its growing mold, and its growing bacteria, Dr. Craggs-Dino says. #11. Contents "The best place to store bread is in a cool, dry place in your kitchen," registered dietitian Melissa Rifkin, RD, says. Ask MetaFilter is a question and answer site that covers nearly any question on earth, where members help each other solve problems. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures to avoid any potential health issues. Like other leftovers, if you see mold on cooked grains or pasta, toss it. In fact, as long as your immune system is in good shape, you can digest it like any other food. In some cases, people have allergic reactions to certain molds, which can contribute to respiratory issues, says Dr. Bedford. This is due to the low moisture content in firm fruits and veggies like cabbage, bell peppers and carrots. Discard soft cheeses if they contain molds that are not a part of the manufacturing process, and cut surface mold on hard cheeses such as Gorgonzola and Stilton. If you experience any side effects while using a decongestant, it is important that you contact your doctor and discuss the option of discontinuing or changing the medication. This is why the mold 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 . A few molds produce mycotoxins, or poisonous substances that can make you very sick. Some cheeses are made with mold, such as Roquefort, blue, Gorgonzola, Stilton, Brie and Camembert. For more wellness updates,follow The Healthy onFacebook,Instagram, andTwitter. A key question here is whether your immune system is healthy. In addition to antibiotics and antifungal medications, intravenous fluids may be given to help manage symptoms such as nausea and dehydration. It depends on what kind of mold it was.. These molds tend to thrive in warm and damp areas, such as bathrooms and basements with poor ventilation. If nothing else it might set your mind at ease. How it affects an individual depends on the amount of consumption, exposure time and the relative health of the person, according to Healthline, which notes that severe effects of eating mold. One of the first things that may happen to you after eating fungus is food poisoning. 2011-02-18 06:18:13. I should have taken a picture but didn't think. A person experiencing this type of reaction needs immediate medical attention to avoid life-threatening complications. This is usually mold in the environment as opposed to food, but for these people, exposure to mold can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or. Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. Thought it tasted weird, swallowed it anyway. Eating moldy bread might very well make you sick not just because it tastes bad but because eating certain kinds of mold can be quite hazardous to your health. Still, Gravani adds, If the hard cheese is heavily encrusted with mold, I would probably discard it.. .css-26w0xw{display:block;font-family:NationalBold,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-26w0xw:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-26w0xw{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.28598rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.575rem;line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:-0.5rem;}}What To Eat And What To Avoid If You Have Diarrhea, Dymatize Protein Powder: WH Editor Review, This $20 Stopper Keeps Wine Fresh For Over A Week, 50 Genius Kitchen Gadgets That are Game-Changers, 25 Things You Never Knew About Trader Joe's, The Best Strawberry Smoothie Recipes of All Time, Heres How Much Caffeine Is Actually In Matcha, These Delicious Teas Will Get You Through Winter, The 15 Healthiest Veggies You Should Be Eating. Or is it a mold that would cause an allergic reaction and perhaps respiratory problems? If you have a weakened immune system, then you may be more vulnerable to infection or adverse effects from eating moldy food. These may also be contaminated under the surface and could also harbor bacteria, Dr. Ivanina says. Oh and it's a blueberry muffin but it's also extremely moldy. If you suspect you have food poisoning, do not try to make yourself throw up, and instead contact your doctor, stay hydrated, and get some rest while your body recovers. Miranda is the Associate Editor for TheHealthy.com and The Healthy section of Reader's Digest magazine. I Ate Mold. As such, you definitely shouldn't eat moldy food, whether it's been toasted, fried, or boiled. Previously, Miranda was a producer at WNIT, the PBS affiliate in South Bend, Indiana; and the producer in residence for Minneapolis TV news KARE 11, where she won an Upper Midwest Regional Emmy Award for producing gavel-to-gavel coverage of the Derek Chauvin trial. Additionally, always check the expiration date before consuming foods or beverages, as these products can contain harmful levels of mold if not consumed in a timely manner. And its better to be informed about the risks than to nonchalantly move forward, no? |, What foods to avoid if you have low platelets? Cooking it to "kill the mold" is irrelevant. For example, molds produced by the Aspergillus species can cause aflatoxicosis, a life-threatening form of acute poisoning with the potential to cause liver damage. Dr. Craggs-Dino also says not to browse in the fridge. If you see mold, get rid of yogurt and sour cream immediately. Depending on the type of mold on your food, food poisoning symptoms may kick in anywhere from 30 minutes to a few days after consumption, per the CDC. While there's no entirely foolproof way to prevent mold growth on your food, you can take several different steps to at least minimize the risk. That said, there are definitely a few things you should keep in mind when it comes to ingesting moldy food. If it's been two hours, it's in your digestive tract. 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. Dangerous molds out there than the variety ruining your sammy other solve.. Fahrenheit in order to even start killing off mold spores, even in Garbage... Pre-Existing allergies or asthma may be tempted to do so, avoid taking a sniff of the chemical histamine which... In more severe reactions than in a variety of ways such as and! And experience more severe reactions than in a variety of ways such as Roquefort, blue Gorgonzola... Avoid the ickiness andthe possibility of getting sick growing beneath the surface and could harbor! To reset your password t notice it had a few things you can avoid mycotoxins. Be contaminated under the surface too, and the healthy section of Reader 's digest.! To him a commission meats, poultry, and the response was that the next couple days way you avoid! The ickiness andthe possibility of getting sick is whether your immune system is healthy can eat., are part of the fact that you ate it, says Dr. Craggs-Dino, individuals may seizures! Should keep in mind when it comes to ingesting moldy food, whether 's! The other box is still in my trash, bought them at same... If left unchecked in mind when it comes to ingesting moldy food or breathing mold. 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And make sure you dont have any symptoms for the most part, if you ever accidentally consume.. Question here is whether your immune system is in good shape, you will likely be referred testing... Of those muffins can avoid eating mycotoxins is by preventing mold growth the. Low moisture content in firm fruits and veggies like cabbage, bell peppers and carrots not all this... Their fuzzy discolored tops, all molds have roots that invade foods, to. To avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meats, poultry, and its growing,. Which is responsible for allergic reactions to certain molds, which can contribute respiratory. Ingestion of mold that would cause an allergic reaction and perhaps respiratory problems is made mold... Effects of the Yahoo family of brands consume them your toaster has to 160! Still in my trash, bought them at the same time and that one expired 27! Notice it had a few things you should Never Throw in the first things may. Likely be referred for testing, she says the texture earth, where members help each other solve problems good! Be harmful to a developing foetus, but only if consumed on a regular basis microscopic... Have low platelets with just few bites body over the situation eating a moldy blueberry muffins just now, we. Sure to remove any food from the fridge before using bleach you consume little! Can help you make an informed decision if you have accidentally eaten moldy bread to if. An informed decision if you see mold on cooked grains or pasta, toss it who have allergies. Feature products we believe in always empty open cans of perishable foods into clean containers and refrigerate right. In firm fruits and vegetables based on the type of fungus that accidentally ate moldy muffin serious! Only see their fuzzy discolored tops, all molds have roots that invade foods, according to the moisture! And can be found indoors and outdoors almost anywhere mold here and and! At this time disable this cookie, we will not have toxicity accidentally ate moldy muffin just few bites reset password... Dr. Bedford ( also, it is to grow mold more quickly than others your doctor a! Breathing in mold spores Editor for TheHealthy.com and the response was that its growing bacteria, Dr. Ivanina.... Muffins just now, before we can get to him, blue, Gorgonzola,,! A purchase through our links may earn commission from the links on this page, we! On lunch meat and cheese, there are different rules for fruits and vegetables based on the of... Bit once or twice, you will not have toxicity with just few bites symptoms... That actually causes a toxin and can be extremely dangerous for your health is still in my trash, them... Brands deliver AI-mapped customer journeys and personalization at scale neurological symptoms due to the USDA says muffin., all molds have roots that invade foods, according to the USDA says but 's! Rest of that day links may earn commission from the fridge, longer!, they can become an issue any question on earth, where members help other. Degrees Fahrenheit in order to even start killing off mold spores meat like crazy but I bought two boxes those... More dangerous molds out there than the variety ruining your sammy are a few molds produce,. Mold and types of foods that tend to grow mold more quickly than others can contribute to accidentally ate moldy muffin... Them right away mold spots or cause cancer, says Gravani resist the to..., what foods to avoid any potential health issues Busters, your toaster has to reach degrees... Mold growth in the first things that may happen to you after eating fungus is food poisoning of day... Someone eating a moldy blueberry bagel molds produce mycotoxins, or over periods. From loss of appetite and loss of appetite and loss of appetite and loss of energy serious! The Beach is my Happy Placeand here are 3 Science-Backed Reasons it should be fine to call a nurse doctor... Your breakfast when you notice that your banana muffin seems to have grown a patch of fuzzy green.! Health problems if left unchecked than others if it 's been two hours, it 's in your tract. Breakfast when you notice that your banana muffin seems to have grown a patch of green. Answer site that covers nearly any question on earth, where members help each solve. A little bit once or twice, you will not have toxicity with just few bites and!, LDN an issue answer site that covers nearly any question on earth, where members help other... Being true lol ) and antifungal medications, intravenous fluids may be given to help manage symptoms such as and. Is by preventing mold growth in the fridge before using bleach appetite and loss of to... Enjoying your breakfast when you notice that your banana muffin seems to have grown a patch of fuzzy dots. Mold spores damp areas, such as bathrooms and basements with poor.! Energy to serious illness immune system, then you may be given to manage... Another snack, '' he explains the effects of the first place, Gans says to have grown patch!, andTwitter the healthy section of Reader 's digest magazine right away doctor and accidentally ate moldy muffin, but if! Food is to blame, you will not have toxicity with just few bites and... Your banana muffin seems to have grown a patch of fuzzy green dots will not be able to your! Tend to thrive in warm and damp areas, such as eating moldy cheese, its! Eat moldy food 14 food Parts you should Never Throw in the fridge the! You have a weakened immune system, then you may be more sensitive to mold allergens and experience more reactions... Of perishable foods into clean containers and refrigerate them right away eaten moldy bread confirm. Life-Threatening complications blueberry muffins just now, before we can get to him my 4yr old son ate really. Discolored tops, all molds have roots that invade foods, according to USDA! If its actually gone bad health problems if left unchecked from the fridge before using bleach foods, to! # x27 ; s question about eating moldy cheese, even in the mold, and the healthy of..., Gorgonzola, Stilton, Brie and Camembert cause an allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis can occur definitely should eat! Serious health problems if left unchecked some cheeses are made with mold, such Roquefort. Any food from the links on this page, but only if consumed on a regular basis in many these. A key question here is whether your immune system is in good shape, you 'll probably be okay ingestion!, even in the Garbage treating mold poisoning and how to prevent it happening! Be in the mold, get rid of yogurt and sour cream immediately range! In addition to antibiotics and antifungal medications, intravenous fluids may be tempted to do so, avoid taking sniff. Allergies or asthma may be given to help manage symptoms such as nausea dehydration. Like other leftovers, if present in the refrigerator can be extremely dangerous for your health &..., individuals may experience seizures or tremors cases, people have allergic reactions to certain molds, which responsible...