Watch Out For Mould: Rising Risk of Mold Toxins in Food

Who hasn’t been there? Looking forward to that last piece of bread, only to discover that it has green mold spots. Straight to the trash. Molds are everywhere in the environment – but they’re not always visible to the naked eye.

These often invisible spores can grow in many foods and produce toxic metabolic byproducts called mycotoxins. These toxins can enter our food chain unnoticed, posing a serious health risk.

Foods Most Prone to Mold Contamination

Mycotoxins can be found in a wide range of foods. The most commonly affected include:

Cereal products: Mold can grow during grain storage and produce toxins.

Nuts: Peanuts, in particular, are prone to aflatoxins, which are produced by certain Aspergillus species.

Dried fruits: Improper drying or storage can lead to mold growth and mycotoxin formation.

Health Effects of Mycotoxins

Consuming foods contaminated with mycotoxins can lead to various health issues. Some mycotoxins are carcinogenic, while others can weaken the immune system or cause organ damage. Children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are especially at risk.

How Consumers Can Reduce Their Risk

There are steps everyone can take to minimize the risk of mold contamination in their food.

Proper storage: Especially for high-risk foods, a little extra effort in storage can go a long way. As a general rule, keep food dry and cool to prevent mold growth.

Quality control: Whenever possible, inspect food carefully when shopping. Look for visible mold spots and avoid visibly damaged products.

Follow processing guidelines: In some cases, proper preparation can help reduce risks – such as thorough washing, cooking, or peeling. However, many mycotoxins are heat-resistant, meaning they aren’t destroyed by cooking or baking. This means that even heated or processed foods can still contain toxins. If food shows signs of mold, it’s worth doing a quick research on the specific type of mold and the best way to handle it.

A Call for Greater Awareness

The increasing contamination of food with mold toxins demands greater attention from both producers and consumers.

However, there’s no need to panic: The best protection is awareness. By understanding food safety and taking proper precautions, the risks can be significantly reduced.

Photo by Nancy Hughes via Unsplash