Is Mold on Food Safe to Eat? Here's When to Toss It

Some of our pantry and fridge staples are more prone to mold production than others, creating a perplexing dilemma: Is it ever OK to eat moldy food? If so, what kind of mold on food is acceptable, and when should it be thrown away?

We spoke with a wellness expert and a physician to learn the best ways to handle moldy food and ways to prevent mold from forming on our food. Read on to also find out how and when mold forms and how much food we have to throw away when we find it.

What Is Moldy Food?

Food becomes moldy when a specific type of fungi is given enough time to grow. While certainly not appetizing or pleasant, mold growth is a normal part of the food cycle.

According to certified nutritionist Serena Poon, molding is a natural ecological process that recycles food and essentially turns it into compost. "There are mold spores everywhere, including in your home, and when they make their way into your food, they accelerate the process of decay," she explains.

When it comes to food, mold can occur at any point in the supply chain, from harvest and storage to your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. According to Poon, mold thrives in moist environments, so it's often found in fruit and bread stored in warm, humid climates.

How Do You Know if Your Food Is Moldy?

As you inspect a questionable vegetable or piece of fruit, look for changes in its appearance. "When mold is present, food can become soft and turn darker, and the mold itself can look fluffy, fuzzy, or dusty," says Dr. Seema Sarin. If you bite into the moldy food before analyzing it, you may notice a change in taste, too.

"Another easy way to detect mold is to pay attention to the packaging," Dr. Sarin adds. Is it cracking? Is there moisture under the wrapping? How about unusual stains? According to Sarin, these are all indications something's not quite right and that mold could be present in your food.

Can You Eat Mold on Soft Foods?

The general rule is: If you find mold on soft foods—such as bread, fruits, and soft cheeses—throw it away in its entirety because mold spreads more easily in soft foods, says Poon. "Mold on your soft food has probably traveled much further than you can see," she explains.

"Do not sniff the moldy areas or containers," Poon warns, "as mold can easily cause allergic and respiratory reactions." The only exception is mold on certain cheeses, such as Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and Brie, which are considered safe to consume.

What About Mold on Hard Foods?

If you spot mold in hard foods—such as hard cheese or vegetables—they may still be salvageable. "Mold has difficulty spreading through more dense surfaces, so you can be fairly confident that you are not consuming mold spores in this situation," Poon points out. In these cases, you can usually cut off the moldy part and enjoy the rest of the food.

The USDA notes that some salamis—such as San Francisco, Italian, and Eastern European types—have a characteristic thin, white mold coating that is safe to consume, but they shouldn't show any other mold. You may also find surface mold on dry-cured country hams that should be scrubbed off before cooking.

How Can You Prevent Moldy Food?

Tossing out food contributes to food waste and costs hard-earned money, so it's best to prevent your food from getting moldy in the first place. Here are ways to keep mold from forming.

Shop for the Short Term

The most impactful way to prevent mold is this: Eat your food! It may seem like an obvious solution, but it's an effective one. When you only buy the food you'll need each week, you reduce the probability that mold will form and the likelihood of waste.

Make a goal of purchasing fresh ingredients to use in meals within a few days. One fun idea to hold yourself accountable is to reorganize your fridge with an "eat me first" shelf, suggests Poon, to establish a visual reminder of what needs to be eaten ASAP.

Inspect Foods Before Buying

To avoid inadvertently bringing moldy food into your home, examine groceries well before you buy them. The USDA recommends we "check food in glass jars, look at the stem areas on fresh produce, and avoid bruised produce." They also urge us to notify the store manager if we spot mold on their goods.

Keep It Clean

Cleanliness is vital in controlling mold. Here are tips from the USDA for maintaining a mold-free kitchen:

• Every few months, clean the inside of your refrigerator with a solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda per quart of water, rinse with clear water, and then dry thoroughly.
• If you see any signs of mold on rubber casings (usually black), scrub affected areas with a solution of 3 teaspoons bleach per quart of water.
• Mold spores from affected food can build up in your dishcloths and other cleaning utensils, so don't hesitate to clean anything that your moldy food has come in contact with. Discard items you can't clean or launder.
• Mold loves humidity, so keep your home's humidity level below 40%.