Moldy food isn’t always dangerous, expert says: ‘Spit it out and move on with your day’

The risk from mouldy food depends on the type of food and how far the mould may have spread, experts say. A German survey found that nearly one in three people cut mould off food and eat the rest, but visible signs alone cannot show whether toxins are present.

Brian Labus, an infectious disease epidemiologist, says mould on firm fruit such as apples can often be cut away, while soft or mushy produce, mouldy bread and jam should be discarded. The survey measured people’s habits and knowledge, not food contamination or illness; it also found fewer than half knew that cooking does not destroy mycotoxins. People who accidentally eat mould need not panic, though those with mould allergies or weakened immune systems should be especially cautious.