Eating moldy fruit can cause adverse health effects, but the severity depends on the amount and type of mold consumed. Mold produces toxins called mycotoxins that can cause illness. However, fruits naturally contain some mold. Eating a small amount of mold is unlikely to cause harm in most people.
What is mold?
Mold is a type of microscopic fungus that grows on organic matter in humid environments. Mold spores land on the surface of fruits and multiply into colonies when there is moisture present. Molds are found everywhere and some are naturally present on fruits.
Mold can be fuzzy or look like dirt on the surface of fruits. Common molds that grow on fruit include Alternaria, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Rhizopus, and Mucor. The color can range from gray, green, yellow, brown, black, or white.
Are some molds on fruit dangerous?
Most molds on fruits are harmless. However, certain types of mold including Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Fusarium can produce harmful mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are toxic chemical byproducts of mold growth. Consuming high levels can cause adverse health effects.
The risk depends on the specific mycotoxins, amount ingested, and person’s vulnerability. Those with weakened immune systems, such as infants, pregnant women, and older adults, may be more susceptible to the toxic effects.
Common mycotoxins on fruit:
- Aflatoxins – produced by Aspergillus mold. Linked to liver damage and cancer.
- Ochratoxin A – produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium. Can affect kidney function.
- Patulin – produced by Penicillium. Causes gastrointestinal issues.
- Fumonisins – produced by Fusarium. Has cancer-promoting effects.
What amount of mold on fruit is dangerous?
There is no established “safe” amount of mold that can be eaten. The level of toxins depends on the individual mold colony. However, eating a small amount of mold is unlikely to cause harm in most healthy adults.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), an average portion of fruit contains about 15% mold coverage. Below this level, the fruit can generally be safely consumed after cutting off the moldy section.
Here are some general guidelines on when moldy fruit should be discarded:
- More than 25% of the fruit is covered in mold
- Toxigenic molds like Aspergillus or Penicillium are present
- The fruit is completely rotten or liquefied underneath the mold
- The person eating the fruit is highly vulnerable to toxins
What happens if you eat mold on fruit?
For most people, eating a small amount of mold from fruit is unlikely to cause illness. Symptoms depend on the type and level of mycotoxins present. Possible health effects include:
1. Allergic reactions
Inhaling mold spores or touching mold can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, rash, watery eyes, and runny nose.
2. Gastrointestinal problems
Ingesting high levels of mycotoxins can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Abdominal pain and constipation may also occur.
3. Liver toxicity
Aflatoxins are linked to acute liver toxicity. High exposure may cause liver enlargement, jaundice, and abdominal swelling. Chronic exposure to lower levels increases liver cancer risk.
4. Kidney toxicity
Ochratoxin A can negatively affect kidney function and structure. Symptoms may include increased urination, kidney pain, and blood in the urine in severe cases.
5. Suppressed immune function
Many mycotoxins impair immune system function, blood cell production, and nutrient absorption. This may increase risk of infections and nutritional deficiencies.
6. Cancer development
Certain mycotoxins like aflatoxins, fumonisins, and ochratoxins are carcinogenic. Long-term exposure to high levels may potentially increase cancer risk.
Groups at highest risk for toxicity
Some population groups are more vulnerable to toxic effects from mold exposure:
- Infants and children
- Pregnant women – exposure may affect fetal development
- Elderly
- Immunocompromised – HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy patients
- Individuals with chronic liver or kidney disease
Health impacts can be more severe in high-risk groups compared to healthy adults. Consult a doctor if you experience concerning symptoms after eating moldy produce.
Ways to prevent eating moldy fruit
Here are some tips to avoid exposure to mycotoxins from fruit:
- Examine fruits carefully before eating and discard any with visible mold
- Refrigerate fruits properly to slow mold growth
- Wash fruit thoroughly in clean running water
- Consume fresh fruits within 5-7 days of purchase
- Avoid fruits with bruises, damage, or moisture on the surface
- Store fruits separately to prevent mold from spreading
- Discard fruits kept for long periods in storage
What to do if you eat moldy fruit
If you accidentally ingest some mold from fruit, here are some recommendations:
- Drink plenty of water to help dilute and excrete toxins
- Take activated charcoal tablets to help bind toxins
- Monitor for symptoms like gastrointestinal distress
- Contact a doctor if experiencing concerning or persistent symptoms
- Avoid overconsumption of moldy produce in the future
Key takeaways
- Mold naturally grows on the surface of fruits in humid conditions.
- Most molds on fruits are harmless, but toxigenic molds can produce mycotoxins that cause illness.
- Eating a small amount of mold is unlikely to harm healthy adults.
- Discard fruits with over 25% mold coverage, toxigenic molds, or complete rot.
- Consuming high amounts of mycotoxins can cause toxicity involving the liver, kidneys, and immune system.
- Infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals have highest risk.
- Practice food safety to limit mold growth and avoid eating visible mold on produce.
Conclusion
Eating a small amount of mold is common and unlikely to cause illness for most people. However, large visible mold growth on produce may contain harmful mycotoxins that can cause adverse health effects when ingested. Practicing careful inspection and proper storage of fruits can help prevent mold growth and limit risk of toxicity. Discarding heavily molded or rotten produce is advised. Certain groups have increased vulnerability to toxins, so it is important to avoid eating visible mold on fruit.