Many of you have already faced this unpleasant problem – a few days ago you opened a fresh loaf of bread and already ate several slices of it. However, when you wanted to take another piece, you suddenly noticed the typical spots of mold. Although it seems reasonable to simply cut off the affected part of the bread, experts say it is not safe. , despite getting rid of the surface mold, you will not prevent its further spread.
- According to experts, moldy bread should be thrown away immediately and not consumed.
- Cutting off the moldy part of the bread does not eliminate the risk of contamination.
- Some molds produce dangerous toxins that can irritate the respiratory tract.
Expert Beth Winters says you shouldn’t hesitate to throw out an entire loaf of bread, even if you notice even the slightest trace of mold.. “Many people don’t realize that mold isn’t just growing where you see green, blue or white hairs. These spots are actually just the reproductive part of the fungus that releases spores. Beneath the surface, microscopic threads called hyphae can extend much deeper into the bread than is visible to the naked eye.“, she stated.
Chef Saifur Rahman agrees with Winters, pointing out that simply cutting off a moldy piece it does not remove what has already penetrated deeper inside.
Moldy bread should be thrown away immediately. (illustrative photo)
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iStock
“Such bread must be thrown away immediately. When you cut it, the knife can transfer contamination to clean parts and make the problem even worse. Unlike hard cheese or salami, there is no safe edge that you can cut to make the bread safe to eat again“, he noted.
According to the chef, some types of mold can produce mycotoxins, which can cause serious health problems. “Even handling or smelling a moldy piece can release spores that irritate the respiratory tract. Therefore, avoid inspecting a loaf of bread by smell“, he added.
Even if you have decided to throw away the moldy bread, it does not mean that you are 100% safe. According to expert Ryan Allen, you need to thoroughly clean the kitchen after handling it. “It is possible that it contaminated other foods as well, as spores can spread through the air without us noticing.. Fruit, wooden boards and bread boxes are exposed to spores when the bread is open, which remain in the surroundings even after the moldy loaf is thrown away,” he concluded.
You shouldn’t eat it at all. (illustrative photo)
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iStock
What to do if you eat moldy bread?
If you accidentally consumed a moldy slice of bread, you don’t need to panic right away. Saifur explained that the health risks are usually minimal, although the consequences can vary from person to person. “Healthy adults who eat only a small amount may not even notice. However, they may experience mild nausea or short-term diarrhea. People with asthma or an allergy to mold may suffer from itching in the mouth or throat, sneezing and wheezing. Inhaling spores while checking bread can also irritate the respiratory tract“, he specified.
In rare cases, some molds can produce toxins that cause more severe digestive problems. “If you find that you have eaten contaminated bread, drink water quickly and watch for any symptoms,” Saifur stressed.
How can you prevent bread from becoming moldy?
Anyone who wants to extend the shelf life of bread and avoid the formation of mold should remember one important tip – put the loaf straight in the freezer. “I recommend households to freeze bread immediately after coming from the store. It can be baked beautifully even from this state, which significantly reduces the risk of mold in damp kitchens,” Allen said.
But if you plan to eat the bread within a few days, Saifur recommends storing it in a cool, dry cupboard or bread bin, preferably in its original packaging from the store, to minimize condensation and prevent the spread of spores. “Handle it only with dry hands and use a clean knife. Additionally, regularly shake and wipe the breadbox to remove any crumbs where mold can grow.“, he concluded.
