Nutrition Q & A
Should I Worry About Moldy Food?
If you find foods in your refrigerator or pantry that have mold on them, use the following guidelines to handle the moldy foods properly:
- Do not sniff the moldy item as it may cause respiratory problems.
- If food is covered with mold, discard it. Put it into a small paper bag or wrap it in plastic and dispose in a covered trash can that children and animals can’t get into.
- Clean the refrigerator or pantry at the spot where the food was stored.
- Check nearby items the moldy food might have touched.
Most foods with mold should be discarded, but exceptions may be made for the following items:
- Fruits and vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, etc. Cut one inch around and below the mold. (Discard soft fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peaches, berries, etc.)
- Hard cheeses. Cut one inch around and below the mold. Be careful that the knife does not contaminate non-moldy areas of the cheese. Re-wrap tightly and refrigerate.
- Dry salami or cured country ham. Scrub mold off the surface.
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