Do you have to throw out all food that has mold on it, or is some of it salvageable?
What is mold?
Molds are “microscopic fungi that live on plant or animal matter,” according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Their “bodies” consist of thin root threads, stalks that rise above the food, and spores that form at the end of the stalks (the spores also give mold its color).
When you spot mold on your food—whether it appears as gray fur, fuzzy green dots, or white dust—you’re seeing only what’s on the surface. Its roots consist of thin threads, which can be difficult to detect with the naked eye. In cases with major surface growth, the threads are already deeply embedded within the food.
What causes mold to grow on food?
While mold can be found in nearly every environment, it grows indoors where it’s warm with high humidity levels. Some molds, however, grow at refrigerator temperatures and can be found in jams and jellies, and on cured, salty meats.
A food’s moisture content and density are two factors that determine whether you can salvage the item once you’ve discovered mold. Foods that have low moisture content and are dense in structure will have a greater chance that the presence of mold on the surface has not spread deeper into the food.
What are moldy foods you can eat?
There are a few food items you can salvage if you find mold on the surface. Be sure to thoroughly scrub (in the case of meats) or cut at least 1 inch off around the area that contains mold. Do not let your utensil touch the mold.
- Hard salami (the dry, aged type)
- Hard cheeses (not including those made with mold)
- Firm fruits and vegetables (bell peppers, cabbage, carrots)
What are moldy foods you should avoid?
Because of the high moisture content in these foods, there’s a higher chance the foods have invisible bacteria growing below the surface along with the mold. Some molds cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems, while others produce “mycotoxins” that cause sickness. When removing foods with mold growth, do not sniff the items to avoid possible respiratory problems.
- Luncheon meat, bacon, and hot dogs
- Yogurt, sour cream
- Soft cheeses (cottage, cream cheese, includes crumbled, shredded, or sliced cheeses)
- Soft fruits and vegetables (cucumbers, peaches, tomatoes)
- Bread and baked goods
- Peanut butter, nuts, and legumes
- Jams and jellies
How to prevent mold growth
The USDA recommends keeping a clean environment to avoid mold development. It offers these prevention tips:
- Clean the inside of your refrigerator with 1 tablespoon of baking soda dissolved in warm water every few months
- Keep dishcloths, towels, sponges, and mops clean and fresh
- Keep humidity levels in house below 40 percent