Sometimes Food Mold Is OK - But When Is It Dangerous?

Once food mold has formed, is the remainder of the item unsafe to eat?

I know if I opened every leftover container in my refrigerator, odds are pretty good at least one would have a fuzzy growth started somewhere.

Maybe there’s a bad spot on a tomato, or a strange substance growing on a jar of jam that’s been around for awhile. If it’s only on the surface, does the whole jar have to be tossed out?

Contrary to what many may believe, some moldy foods are still quite usable. Even when they’re completely covered in mold.

For example, hard salami and certain cheeses only require that the surface mold be washed off. By cutting away the moldy section of firm overripe fruit, the remainder is safe to eat.

Food Mold Facts

Here are the best tips for dealing with food mold:

In the end, it’s best to avoid buyer’s remorse (and food poisoning!) when it comes to perishable food items.

Buy only what you can eat in a few days, unless you are prepared to properly process the excess. You may find that food mold can spoil your investment sooner than you think. So much for saving money when buying in bulk!

Lynnette Walczak

I like to help people find unique ways to do things in order to save time & money -- so I frequently write about "outside the box" ideas that most wouldn't think of. As a lifelong dog owner, I often share my best tips for living with and training dogs. I worked in Higher Ed several years until switching gears to pursue things I was more passionate about. I've worked at a vet, in a photo lab, and at a zoo -- to name a few. I enjoy the outdoors via bicycle, motorcycle, Jeep, or RV. You can always find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).