What Happens If You Eat Mold? Risks, Symptoms, and What to Do Next

Mold on food items is a common issue in everyday life that most households face. It often raises many questions, and a concern that usually comes to mind is, "What happens if you eat mold by mistake?". There's no need to worry if you accidentally consume mold. However, some types of mold on certain foods can be toxic, so you must be more cautious.

In this blog, we will break down how eating mold affects health, how to manage moldy food, and how to prevent its growth. Read on!

What Happens If You Eat Mold?

If the digestive system and immune system are healthy, the majority of people do not have any effects after accidentally eating of small amount of mold. However, large consumption can lead to some health issues.

Here are the dangers of eating mold: 

Immediate Effects

In most cases, consuming a little bit of mold by mistake does not cause severe harm. It can lead to:

• A bad mouth taste

• Nausea or a mild upset stomach

• Digestive discomfort for a temporary period

For healthy people, these effects resolve quickly without the need for any treatment. 

Potential Health Risks

Excessive consumption or long-term mold exposure can lead to the following health risks:

1. Food Poisoning

The invisible bacteria and fungi that grow together with mold can produce “mycotoxins”, which are harmful substances that can cause food poisoning. The initial symptoms of food poisoning are:

• Feeling sick

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Stomach ache

• Weakness

• Dizziness

• Nause

If you experience these symptoms, seek professional help. Checking the symptoms' seriousness, doctors will provide antibiotic medications, ask to remain well-hydrated, and even replace the lost salts. However, if you take proper rest and care, you can usually recover from food poisoning in a few days.

2. Allergic Reactions

You might also show an allergic reaction to some types of mold, which can result in symptoms such as:

• Skin rashes

• Hives

• Watery nose

• Sneezing

• Red, itchy, watery eyes, and a stuffy nose

• Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing (in severe cases)

If you experience mold allergies, reach out to health professionals as soon as possible before it gets worse. Doctors may prescribe medications such as corticosteroids or antihistamines, and sometimes even injections, to effectively control the symptoms.

3. Liver Damage

Mold fungus is full of bad, harmful bacteria that enter the body, and it can cause severe liver damage, especially if you have a weak immune system. Even research says, Candida spp. Fungi found in mold can lead to fungal liver infections in patients with oncohematological diseases. The initial symptoms of liver damage include:

• Unexpected weight loss

• Abdominal pain

• Fatigue

• Dark urine

• Jaundice (skin and eyes turning yellowish)

If you suspect these symptoms, do not hesitate to consult medical professionals. Doctors will examine the symptoms, perform required tests, and decide on the proper treatment.

4. Respiratory Issues

Sometimes, if you accidentally eat moldy bread or any other food item, it can cause respiratory issues. This condition is likely higher if the mold has a cluster of spores or mycotoxins, severely irritating the respiratory tract. The ill effects can lead to:

• Chest tightness

• Throat irritation

• Wheezing

• Inflammation

• Sneezing

• Shortness of breath

• Nasal congestion

Moreover, these respiratory symptoms might get worse if you have asthma. Hence, better to schedule an appointment as soon as possible if you experience any of these effects.

5. Systemic Inflammation

Mycotoxin inhalation or ingestion from the mold stimulates the immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, to respond to the sudden invasion of mycotoxins by releasing inflammatory mediators like chemokines and cytokines. These mediators alert other immune cells to move to the site of mold exposure, which leads to inflammation.

The symptoms you can experience are:

• Digestive disturbances

• Joint pain

• Brain fog

• Skin issues

• Headaches

If you notice these symptoms after accidentally eating moldy food, visit the hospital immediately.

6. Pregnancy Issues

• Moldy food can be dangerous during pregnancy as well. In most cases, mycotoxins from moldy food can pose a severe risk by entering the placental barrier, which can lead to pregnancy-related complications.

• According to research, mycotoxin exposure can lead to impaired intrauterine fetal development and increase the chances of neonatal jaundice.

• Also, the possibilities of getting sick are higher during this phase the immune system of a woman gets weakened as it prevents the body from attacking the developing fetus. This means the risk of becoming ill after mold exposure is increased. So, never consume moldy food during pregnancy.

How Much Amount of Mold Can Make You Sick?

The amount of mold that can make you feel sick varies depending on the following factors:

Individual Sensitivity:

People living with asthma, certain allergies, and other respiratory issues are more prone to be affected by mold, even in small amounts.

Type of Mold:

Certain types of mold, such as Stachybotrys and Aspergillus, when ingested in large amounts, can produce harmful toxins like mycotoxins, which can cause more serious effects in some people.

Concentration & Duration of Exposure:

Higher concentration and longer exposure to spores of mold can raise the chances of getting sick. 

Who’s at Higher Risk of Developing Health Issues?

The following groups are at increased risk of health issues after consuming moldy food and need to be very cautious:

• Individuals with mold allergies

• People with weak immune systems (including cancer patients and transplant recipients)

• Elderly adults and Infants

• Pregnant women (due to susceptibility to foodborne-related toxins)

When to Seek Medical Help?

Consult a doctor if you:

• Experience persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting

• Develop symptoms of allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing and swelling

• Consume excessive amounts of mold, especially from a toxic source such as moldy corn and peanuts.

Types Of Mold Found In Food

Mold generally looks like a hair-like structure, which can be seen on the surface of many food items. It mostly loves to thrive in wet or warm places by breaking down the substances it survives on. 

Here, the most common types of mold on foods: 

• Fusarium- Typically, lives on grains like maize, barley, and wheat.

• Aspergillus- Grows primarily on fruits, green vegetables, grains, spices, and nuts.

• Penicillium- Can be seen on bread, and cheese such as blue cheese or camembert.

• Mucor- Thrives on fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.

• Rhizopus- Found in bread, soft fruits, and vegetables (strawberries or tomatoes), and baked goods.

How Does Mold Grow On Food?

The spores of mold are everywhere around you, which makes their way from the environment and directly land on the warm surfaces of the food. This is how they grow:

• Easy availability of moisture: As mold needs moisture to thrive, hydrating foods such as bread and fruits become the ideal host.

• Warm temperatures increase growth: Warm and humid environments, particularly room temperature, support the faster growth of mold.

• Oxygen eases growth: As mold is aerobic, loosely sealed foods or leftover foods become vulnerable to mold growth.

• Nutrients feed mold: Foods rich in organic substances like proteins, starches, and sugars are the ideal fuel for mold to thrive and multiply.

Can You Cut Down The Mold From Food?

Some people find it acceptable to remove the mold-affected part of food and eat it anyway. Dropping the rotten foods and washing and eating the rest is not appropriate. You won't know what type of mold you might be consuming with your food, and whether it is safe or harmful. Sometimes, along with mold, you can also eat harmful bacteria that have the potential to hide inside the food.  

• According to the FDA, some bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes, grown on certain food items, even if refrigerated or undergo preservation measures, can cause severe foodborne diseases like Listeria. The effects of Listeria can be nausea, fever, diarrhea, muscle aches, headache, and vomiting.

• Many types of mold, such as Stachybotrys chartarum(atra), are toxic to your health and cause respiratory problems and allergic reactions.

• Moreover, some mold types develop harmful toxins like aflatoxins, which can be extremely dangerous to health and can even cause death.

What Should You Do If You Find Mold in Food?

In general, it is recommended to avoid soft foods with mold, as they also have hidden harmful bacteria that grow below their surface and can be problematic. On the other hand, hard, moldy foods can be eaten, as mold does not easily penetrate them. However, if the food is fully covered with mold, discard it right away.

Foods to restore:

You can use these foods if the mold is removed:

• Firm fruits & vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, and apples

• Hard cheese, like Parmesan and Gorgonzola

• Dry-cured country hams and hard salami

• Cut the food by 1 inch around and also below the mold. In addition, do not touch the mold with the knife.

Foods to throw away:

Discard these foods immediately:

• Soft fruits and vegetables, like tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries

• Soft cheese such as cream and cottage cheese, and shredded, sliced, and crumbled cheese.

• Bread and baked goods, which have mold below their surface.

• Cooked food such as grains, pasta, meat, and casseroles.

• Deli meats, hot dogs, and bacon

• Peanut butter, nuts, and legumes

• Jam and jellies

• Sour cream and yogurt 

How to Prevent Mold on Food and Avoid Ingesting it?

Here are the best tips to prevent the growth of mold and avoid ingesting it:

• Check signs of mold, like soft spots, unusual odors, discoloration (black, green, white, or gray), before buying any food, especially bread and produce. 

• Properly clean the utensils, sponges, dishcloths, and kitchen towels regularly.

• Avoid rotting food, as fresh food products have a limited shelf life. Buying a small amount and using it within a few days is better.

• Keep perishable foods like vegetables in the refrigerator within 2 hours, as they are likely to spoil and become unsafe to consume.

• Regularly clean your fridge by wiping it out from inside and outside every few months.

• Clean and well-seal the storage containers, as it will help prevent exposure to mold spores.

• Have leftover food within 3 to 4 days.

• Put the food in the freezer if you have no plan to eat it soon.

Summing Up

So,what happens if you eat mold? The answer isn’t always simple; it could be harmless, mildly upsetting, or downright dangerous, depending on the type and your health. While a bite of moldy bread might just leave you with a sour taste and no symptoms, in some cases, it could trigger nausea, allergies, or even serious infections. The best move? Trust your senses, don’t take chances, and when in doubt, throw it out. Your stomach (and your peace of mind) will thank you.