Can moldy bread make you sick? | Livestrong.com (2024)

The mold on bread can make some people sick by causing an allergic reaction.

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There's nothing worse than craving a piecetoast, only to notice that your bread has suspicious cloudy spots. But can moldy bread make you sick, and if so, what are the possible symptoms of eating moldy bread?

Here's everything you need to know about whether moldy bread will make you sick, including whether you can get food poisoning from bread that's past its prime.

The short answer: Yes, it is possible that you can get sick from eating bread with mold on it.

That said, if you accidentally take a bite of moldy bread, you'll probably be fine, the paper saidCleveland Clinic. That's because many types of mold are not harmful. Just be sure to keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms throughout the day.

But that doesn't mean mold is good for you or that it's safe to eat. Some types of mold that grow on food can be dangerous, according to the Cleveland Clinic. For example, certain molds can cause an allergic reaction or breathing problems in some peopleMichigan State University.

In addition, bread mold can sometimes produce mold toxins called mycotoxins, which can make you sick, according to Michigan State University. Some toxins – such as aflatoxins – can even cause death, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

And because you can't tell what kind of mold you're dealing with just by looking at your bread, you run the risk of an allergic reaction or food poisoning from bread if you decide to indulge.

The type of mold on bread can vary. As a result, there are a number of reactions you may experience after eating spoiled food. Here are the possible symptoms of eating moldy bread, broken down by reaction type:

Bread mold can make you sick by causing an allergic reaction. According toMayo ClinicSymptoms of a mold allergy include:

For others, the results of eating moldy bread can include breathing problems such as shortness of breath, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Mold allergies can also trigger asthma attacks in some people, according to the Mayo Clinic. This can lead to symptoms such as:

According to the Cleveland Clinic, it is also possible to get food poisoning from moldy bread. This may be due to the mold's toxins or as a result of eating mold-adjacent bacteria that cause foodborne illness.

PrMayo ClinicSymptoms of food poisoning include:

Although you may be tempted to cut off the moldy part and eat the rest of the slice, resist the urge. There's more to mold than meets the eye: According to the Cleveland Clinic, moist or spoiled food can also harbor invisible bacteria that can also make you sick.

So instead of eating moldy food, throw away the spoiled bread and wait to eat that toast or sandwich until you have fresh bread on hand.

like youfreeze your bread, it may take two to three months. However, home-made bread may not last as long because it does not contain the preservatives found in commercially prepared bread that extend its shelf life.