Eli5 As early stages of mold spreads on food (ex. bread, fruit) would getting rid of the “infected” area make it safe to eat?

Question

Eli5 As early stages of mold spreads on food (ex. bread, fruit) would getting rid of the “infected” area make it safe to eat?

In: 6

Answer 1

It depends on the food. Hard, dense foods such as cheeses (non-soft) can be eaten if the mold and an appropriate safety margin are cut away. Soft, airy (like most bread) or watery (like skinless fruit) foods can be thoroughly molded while only showing early signs visibly.

You can only see the “flowering” portion of the mold, not the roots or, in particular, toxins which can make you sick, so you have to know what you’re doing, which means researching mold growth on the specific food you’re looking at.

If i were speaking to an actual 5 year old, I’d probably answer “no”. But if you have a very nice parmesan or cheddar wedge with some mold at the corner, you’d be fine.