What Happens If You Eat Mold?

It depends on the mold. UConn Extension says some molds are harmless while others can produce toxins that can cause illness, and that if you are unsure about the type of mold, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard the food. The FDA says only certain molds and fungi can produce mycotoxins of concern, and that eating something containing high levels of those mycotoxins can make you sick.

Ohio State University Extension says mycotoxins, the toxins secreted by mold, have mostly been an issue on grains and nuts such as corn, wheat and peanuts, that concern about mycotoxins on prepared foods has led to more conservative recommendations for handling mold spoilage, and that mycotoxins are often heat stable, so cooking will not destroy them. The FDA says eating food containing a large amount of aflatoxins at one time or for several days can lead to liver failure and even death.

Some foods can be trimmed. UConn Extension advises cutting at least one inch around and below the moldy area on firm fruits and vegetables such as cabbage, bell peppers or carrots, without letting the knife carry mold into the uncontaminated area. It says hard cheeses like cheddar or parmesan can be salvaged by cutting at least one inch around and below the moldy spot, but soft cheeses such as cottage cheese or cream cheese should be discarded entirely if any portion is moldy. The National Cancer Institute says you can reduce aflatoxin exposure by buying only major commercial brands of nuts and nut butters and discarding nuts that look moldy, discolored or shriveled.