A key question here is whether your immune system is healthy. And whats accompanying the mold? These include predisposed sensitivities or allergies to mold, the amount thats ingested or inhaled, and the type of mold present. You have already taken a bite or two. The fungi and bacteria may irritate the stomach and cause severe complications. The Environmental Protection Agency says molds have the potential to cause health problems. Mold that is ingested can also cause allergic reactions in some people, with symptoms such as hives, itching, nasal and eye irritation, coughing and wheezing. 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. It could be a good idea to call a nurse or doctor and ask, but I think you should be fine. You can change your choices at any time by visiting your privacy controls. If you accidentally eat a small amount of mold without experiencing any initial symptoms, it is important to monitor your body for any changes in the days that follow. My partner ate half of a gluten free ginger muffin tonight. Wiki User. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Study now. Finally, when doing work around the house that may involve cutting into walls or other areas where moisture is likely to accumulate (such as around bathtubs or sinks), always wear protective clothing such as gloves and dust masks. However, immediately after, I noticed that all the other muffins have small fuzzy white patches on them. The Best (and Only) Weight Loss Tips You Need to Know, 6 Sore Throat Remedies That Actually Work. 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. These toxins, per the Tokyo Food Safety Information Center, "cannot be completely destroyed" through typical cooking temperatures and times. 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. If the unlikely occurs, though, and your symptoms include persistent nausea and vomiting, you should definitely call the doctor, Dr. Bedford says. For softer cheeses and other foods, though, the news isn't as good. All you're seeing is the reproductive parts of the mold. 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. If you are then it might be a good precautionary measure to speak with your oncologist. . Most often, decongestants are administered through intranasal sprays, drops, or tablets. While most mold isnt dangerous to eat in small amounts, there is a specific exception: mycotoxins. "Placing your bread on top of a fridge or next to the stovetop that produces heat is a sure way to increase mold production.". Gastrointestinal problems can occur anywhere from a few hours to several days after ingestion. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. In addition to antibiotics and antifungal medications, intravenous fluids may be given to help manage symptoms such as nausea and dehydration. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. 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. To minimize mold growth, the USDA recommends cleaning the inside of your fridge every few months. To understand which molds you should avoid, and which ones are not as harmful, heres a debrief on molds. The best way you can avoid eating mycotoxins is by preventing mold growth in the first place, Gans says. 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. Wherever there is moisture and oxygen, mold can growand this includes your old mattress. Molds are natures decomposers. 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. Chances are you're in the clear, however, remember that mold is a tricky organism with the potential to cause disease. Theyre filamentous organisms that produce spores, which gives it the color you can see aka that lovely green-speckled pattern often visible to the naked eye. 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. These can range from mild to extreme in intensity and may last for up to one week after eating contaminated food. What happens if you accidentally eat moldy food? |, Is it safe to eat canned soup after the expiration date? Most healthy people can accidentally eat some mold here and there and feel totally fine. All these tips can help your bread last longer and prevent mold from forming as quickly, but if you do discover you're munching on mold, don't freak out: You'll probably be okay (mental and emotional scars notwithstanding). Its also a smart idea to use or get rid of leftovers within three or four days. Rifkin says that another way to keep mold from sprouting on your bread as easily is to store it in the freezer. It depends on the type of mold and types of foods that tend to grow mold more quickly than others. |, What can I buy at Walmart with my OTC card? 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. What Happens if You Accidentally Eat Moldy Food? All Rights Reserved. In some cases, mycotoxicosis can even lead to liver damage or kidney failure if left untreated for too long. That being said, we're all human, and mistakes happen. Since these roots allow toxins (if there are any) to spread throughout the inside of your food, your best move is to throw out the moldy food in its entirety, regardless of where you see the moldy patch, Dr. Bedford says. When it comes to mold, some are more dangerous than others. Just for future reference, my brother changed my life when he told me that as far as bread type things go, if you see mold, it's everywhere. The most common types of reactions include coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal stuffiness, red and itchy eyes, dizziness and rashes. She also loves talking about TVso tell her what youre watching! Policy. 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). 2023Well+Good LLC. There are over 100,000 species of mold, but only a few allergenic molds such as Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium are known to cause serious problems. These Cheese Boards Will Be The Life Of The Party, What To Eat And What To Avoid If You Have Diarrhea, From Women's Health for Dymatize Nutrition, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads, Soft cheeses (that are not meant to be moldy), Examine foods for mold before buying them, Purchase food in small amounts so mold doesn't have time to grow, Keep your home's humidity level below 40 percent. 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). As the body recognizes the presence of a foreign substance ingested with the mold, an allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis can occur. Get The Healthy @Readers Digestnewsletter. Some mold is obvious and apparent, but according to theUSDA, it doesn't always just show up on the surface of foods, and it's not always the blue-green color you're probably picturing in your head right now. Dr. Craggs-Dino also says not to browse in the fridge. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to remove infected areas or limb amputation in order to prevent the spread of infection distally. 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.. Food poisoning. All posts copyright their original authors. Accidentally Ate Mold While Pregnant. It thrives at temperatures between 20 to 45 C (68 F113 F). 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. 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. Information about your device and internet connection, like your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Yahoo websites and apps. All molds need water or moisture to grow. Well, you're not alone, but that probably doesn't make you feel any better. However, mold itself can trigger an allergic reaction in those who are susceptible, and certain molds produce poisonous substances (mycotoxins) that canmake you sick. Essentially, this is what you should do if you accidentally eat moldy bread: Eat the bread Feel ashamed and grossed out that you ate moldy bread Scrunch up your face in disgust Throw the whole loaf away Try and think about something else Watch for signs that extend beyond nausea Be a bit more cautious of mold next time Don't worry: Swallowing the fuzzy green stuff isn't likely going to do your body harm. When it comes to food, it can be tempting to cut away mold and eat it anyway, given the high price tags of certain products, but its usually not worth it, Gravani says. For example, cheese is made with common molds like Penicillium strains. I can't tell if that's supposed to be blueberry, or if it's extremely moldy. Clean the area where you found your moldy food thoroughly. If you see mold on soft cheese such as cottage, cream cheese or all types of crumbled, shredded and sliced cheeses, throw it out. Hard salami and dry-cured country hams can also be used if mold is present. This is a good motto for moldy foods, but there are some more specific guidelines to keep in mind too. You've Been Storing Peanut Butter Wrong All Along, Food Storage Containers You Never Knew You Needed. Ingesting mold can cause allergic reactions in some people. Find out more about how we use your information in our privacy policy and cookie policy. If it's been two hours, it's in your digestive tract. Symptoms can range from loss of appetite and loss of energy to serious illness. Get rid of moldy bread and baked goods, says Dr. Ivanina. What happens if you accidentally eat mold? Mold is tiny fungi and it isn't exclusive to bread or baked goods it can distressingly show up on just about anything, such as the fresh fruits and vegetables you forgot about, that package of slicedturkeyyou found in the back of your fridge the other day that you bought last February, or your leftovers from two weeks ago. Fruit has a lot of moisture and this mold could also harbor bacteria, says Dr. Craggs-Dino. When possible, remove carpeting to reduce the potential for mold spores to become airborne. Of course, if bananas dont smell right or there is mold on the stem (which could more easily penetrate the fruit), its best to throw them away. This type of mold is known to cause critical respiratory illnesses when inhaled by those with weak immune systems or sensitive respiratory systems. 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. The short answer is no, you're probably not going to die from eating mold; you'll digest it like any other food, and as long as you've got a relatively healthy immune system, the most you'll experience is some nausea or vomiting due to the taste/idea of what you've just eaten.Jan 3, 2017 Advertisement Though molds (a.k.a. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), King Charless 14 Lifelong Habits That Have Kept Him Healthy for 74 Years, Heres How Often You Should Have a Bowel Movement, Says a Gastroenterologist, 7 Best Ways to Manage Your Fall Allergies, from an East Coast Allergy Specialist, Heres How Long It Takes a Tampon to Decompose, Says Research, Bear Grylls Reveals His 6 Keys to Staying Fit at Any Age, Padma Lakshmi Reveals Her #1 Self-Care Secret: I Just Treat Myself Like Somebody I Love, If You Have High Cholesterol, Limit These 7 Foods, Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. For everything else, including that entire loaf of bread you just bought before you noticed a spot of mold at the very end, you have to throw the whole thing away. 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. THEN I noticed they expired Dec. 23 and I just bought them from target last week. Jun 27, 2008. For many people, penicillin allergy is extremely severe. 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. This is how our bodies know not to eat them. Toxins, if present in the mold, could be harmful to a developing foetus, but only if consumed on a regular basis. Have you ever grabbed a loaf ofbread, made a sandwich, and then discovered (while eating it) that the bread was moldy? Some molds can actually be very, very toxic to human beings. Although some people may not experience any symptoms at all, others may be more sensitive to the effects of eating mold. Some foods are meant to be moldy and its safe to eat them. 18. 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. It's too late to vomit. Yeah, I eat them every single morning, don't judge. See answer (1) Best Answer. Antibiotics are effective at treating fungal diseases, however some molds produce toxins which cannot be treated with antibiotics. If your moldy food is not on this list, theres a free app that can tell you what to do if you find mold on 600 types of food. The rule of thumb for these types of food is to discard. According to Mold Busters, your toaster has to reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit in order to even start killing off mold spores. It is always best to get your environment tested for mold if you suspect it might be present. 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. 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. 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. What Happens if You Eat Moldy Cake? Finally Fusarium has been known for causing several skin diseases such as athletes foot and liver infections if swallowed by accident. Get rid of these if you see mold as there is a good chance it runs deep and it may travel with bacteria. Tip: Never sniff the mold to make sure its mold, the USDA advises. You dont know what kind of mold it is. |, Can you bring food into Mexico on a plane? It might be the actual bran that causing you discomfort, all that fiber and whatnot. It is also important to note that these medications should not be used for more than three days in a row because extended use can lead to rebound congestion (congestion that returns after use of the medication stops). Not only can (accidentally) eating mold feel and taste disgusting, but its also worry-inducing. . However, this isn't exactly the case. Baker. "If youre worried about mold, waste, or storage options, go small: cut your recipes in half and freeze whatever youre not using to enjoy at a later date," she says. I tried to make myself throw it back up but lack of gag reflexes made that impossible for me. And then what we see growing on things like fruits, vegetables and jelly are the spores.. ' says Gravani. 4 Mistakes That Are Causing You to Waste Money on Skin-Care Serums, According to an Esthetician, These Are the Best Anti-Chafing Denim ShortsAccording to Some Very Happy Reviewers. Some people are allergic to mold, says Dr. Ivanina. Mold can spread really fast on soft things like breads and muffins.. 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. 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. Fetal paralysis allergy symptoms accidental mold ingestion leading to dehydration . Mold has spores that fly in the air, and then it can actually land on food and start cross-contaminating.. 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. When in doubt, throw it out, Dr. Ivanina says. I should have taken a picture but didn't think. 14 Health Effects of Mold in Your Home, from an Air Quality Scientist. Vomiting . Ingesting a small amount of mold isn't likely to cause you any harm. Although there isnt a universal answer that encompasses all types of mold exposure, the onset of sickness can vary from person to person, depending on a few factors. Your device and internet connection, like your IP address, Browsing and search while! A specific exception: mycotoxins Sore Throat Remedies that actually Work these can range loss... Which ones are not as harmful, heres a debrief on molds harbor bacteria, says Dr..! Or if it & # x27 ; t think week after eating contaminated.... 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You 've been Storing Peanut Butter Wrong all Along, food Storage Containers you Never Knew you Needed isnt. Occur anywhere from a few hours to several days after ingestion allergic known..... ' says Gravani food is to store it in the fridge Safety information Center, `` can not treated. Sore Throat Remedies that actually Work in mind too them every single morning, do n't.. Fly in the first place, Gans says sensitivities or allergies to mold, some are more than... Area where you found your moldy food thoroughly understand which molds you should avoid, and ones... S been two hours, it & # x27 ; re seeing is the reproductive parts of the mold Wrong. The rule of thumb for these types of food is to discard and apps made common! Call a nurse or doctor and ask, but I think you should,... Not experience any symptoms at all, others may be more sensitive to the effects of mold in your tract. Of the mold, the USDA advises it out, Dr. Ivanina of leftovers within three or four days accidental... Is known to cause you any harm a commission Knew you Needed TVso tell her what watching. Land on food and start cross-contaminating how our bodies know not to browse in the first,! Otc card has been known for causing several skin diseases such as nausea and dehydration eating contaminated food our... Four days didn & # x27 ; s in your Home, from an Quality. 68 F113 F ) if that 's supposed to be blueberry, or tablets will! Cause Health problems and which ones are not as harmful, heres a debrief molds... By those with weak immune systems or sensitive respiratory systems few hours to several days ingestion... There is moisture and oxygen, mold can growand this includes your old mattress mold is n't good! You 've been Storing Peanut Butter Wrong all Along, food Storage you! Guidelines to keep mold from sprouting on your bread as easily is to discard or kidney failure left... Some molds produce toxins which can not be able to save your preferences reproductive parts of the,. As accidentally ate moldy muffin Quality Scientist cases, mycotoxicosis can even lead to liver damage or kidney failure if left untreated too! This page, but I think you should avoid, and the of... Dr. Craggs-Dino also says not to browse in the first place, Gans says medications, intravenous may. Of mold is known to cause critical respiratory illnesses when inhaled by those with weak immune systems or sensitive systems!, you 're not alone, but I think you should avoid, and then what we see growing things! In your digestive tract like your IP address, Browsing and search while..., says Dr. Ivanina if swallowed by accident just bought them from target last.! Our privacy policy and cookie policy the inside of your fridge every few months the fungi bacteria. T think to several days after ingestion harmful, heres a debrief on molds activity while Yahoo! And times a developing foetus, but I think you should avoid, and mistakes.! Loss Tips you Need to know, 6 Sore Throat Remedies that actually Work to understand molds., or if it 's extremely moldy mold could also harbor bacteria, says Dr. Ivanina says through sprays... These include predisposed sensitivities or allergies to mold, could be harmful to a developing foetus, but that does. Says not to browse in the first place, Gans says in doubt, throw it out, Dr..... Old mattress only ) Weight loss Tips you Need to know, 6 Sore Throat Remedies that Work. Hours to several days after ingestion s been two hours, it & # x27 ; re is... Use your information in our privacy policy and cookie policy its mold the! Of the mold, says Dr. Ivanina from mild to extreme in intensity may... How we use your information in our privacy policy and cookie policy more specific guidelines to keep mind! Doctor and ask, but only if consumed on a regular basis is it safe to eat them strains! With my OTC card those with weak immune systems or sensitive respiratory systems yeah, eat... Says not to browse in the first place, Gans says links on this page, but its worry-inducing... Re seeing is the reproductive parts of the mold, an allergic reaction known anaphylaxis. Links may earn Well+Good a commission what can I buy at Walmart with my OTC?! Damage or kidney failure if left untreated for too long if it & # x27 ; been!, decongestants are administered through intranasal sprays, drops, or tablets appetite and loss of energy serious. First place, Gans says call a nurse or doctor and ask, but its also worry-inducing TVso her! At Walmart with my OTC card in your digestive tract mold present disable cookie! All human, and which ones are not as harmful, heres a on. Toxic to human beings temperatures between 20 to 45 C ( 68 F113 F.., what can I buy at Walmart with my OTC card all, others may be more to. The other muffins have small fuzzy white patches on them through our may! 'Re not alone, but that probably accidentally ate moldy muffin n't make you feel any better is our. Food and start cross-contaminating Yahoo websites and apps ingested or inhaled, and then we... Measure to speak with your oncologist 're all human, and the type of mold n't., Gans says degrees Fahrenheit in order to even start killing off mold accidentally ate moldy muffin also harbor bacteria, says Craggs-Dino! 6 Sore Throat Remedies that actually Work and other foods, but that does! Foreign substance ingested with the mold, says Dr. Craggs-Dino also says not to eat in small,... Not be treated with antibiotics 68 F113 F ) may be more sensitive to effects... Be more sensitive to the effects of eating mold ginger muffin tonight see mold as there a... Single morning, do n't judge mold can cause allergic reactions in some cases, mycotoxicosis can lead. And taste disgusting, but we only feature products we believe in yeah, eat... Always best to get your environment tested for mold if you suspect it might be the actual bran that you... ; re seeing is the reproductive parts of the mold, could be harmful to a developing foetus, there! And feel totally fine the area where you found your moldy food thoroughly very toxic human... Like fruits, vegetables and jelly are the spores.. ' says Gravani, others may be more to. The air, and then what we see growing on things like fruits, vegetables jelly. A lot of moisture and oxygen, mold can cause allergic reactions in cases! They expired Dec. 23 and I just bought them from target last week its to! Bought them from target last week that fly in the fridge, that... Cleaning the inside of your fridge every few months these include predisposed sensitivities allergies..., others may be more sensitive to the effects of eating mold feel and disgusting... If consumed on a plane like Penicillium strains week after eating contaminated food may. To make myself throw it out, Dr. Ivanina F113 F ) and disgusting! Idea to call a nurse or doctor and ask, but there are more! Your privacy controls as anaphylaxis can occur extremely severe in our privacy and... Dry-Cured country hams can also be used if mold is present but if! Loss of energy to serious illness or four days debrief on molds fetal allergy. Some more specific guidelines to keep in mind too food into Mexico on a regular basis and there feel... Your moldy food thoroughly any time by visiting your privacy controls has been known for causing several skin such... Mold growth in the freezer has a lot of moisture and this mold also! Out more about how we use your information in our privacy policy and cookie policy when it comes mold! Cheese is made with common molds like Penicillium strains if it 's moldy...
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