If mold is growing on an orange, should I just cut away the moldy part or d

[석수]

If mold is growing on an orange, should I just cut away the moldy part or discard the whole fruit?

As a rule of thumb, mold found in hard, low-moisture foods, such as hard cheese, hard salami and dry-cured country hams, can be cut out, while moldy soft, high-moisture foods, such as meat, soft cheese, yogurt, jam, breads, nuts and nut butters, should be discarded in their entirety.


According to the USDA, soft fruits and vegetables with high moisture content, such as an orange, can be contaminated below the surface. Such fruits and vegetables should be discarded in their entirety if moldy.

If mold is growing on an orange, should I just cut away the moldy part or discard the whole fruit?

Cassandra Suarez, N16, a registered dietician, says it's more than about surface appearance


Ask the Expert

If mold is growing on an orange, should I just cut away the moldy part or discard the whole fruit?

Cassandra Suarez, N16, a registered dietician, says it's more than about surface appearance

by Cassandra Suarez


Molds are microscopic fungi that live on plant or animal matter and can sometimes be seen with the naked eye. These organisms give off spores, which are responsible for their color. While many molds are harmless and beneficial, such as those intentionally grown in cheeses, some molds cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems.


Under the right conditions, a few molds produce mycotoxins—poisonous substances that can make you sick. In many foods, mold invades deep within the food—not just on the surface. In some cases, toxins may have spread throughout the food.

According to the USDA, soft fruits and vegetables with high moisture content, such as an orange, can be contaminated below the surface. Such fruits and vegetables should be discarded in their entirety if moldy.

On the other hand, small mold spots can be cut out with a one-inch diameter in firm, low-moisture fruits and vegetables, such as cabbage, bell peppers and carrots.


As a rule of thumb, mold found in hard, low-moisture foods, such as hard cheese, hard salami and dry-cured country hams, can be cut out, while moldy soft, high-moisture foods, such as meat, soft cheese, yogurt, jam, breads, nuts and nut butters, should be discarded in their entirety.




mould

noun (SUBSTANCE)

UK (US mold)

[ U ]

a soft, green or grey growth that develops on old food or on objects that have been left for too long in warm, wet air:

There was mould on the cheese.

There is mould on the orange.

How does mould damage health?

According to the NHS, people who live in a damp and mouldy home have a higher risk of respiratory infections/problems, allergies, and asthma. Mould spores can also compromise the immune system. Some people are particularly vulnerable, including:

babies and children

older people

those with existing skin problems, such as atopic eczema

those with respiratory problems, such as allergies and asthma

those with a weakened immune system, such as those having chemotherapy

For people who suffer from allergies, breathing in or touching mould spores can cause severe reactions, including asthma attacks, fever, and shortness of breath. Others can suffer from a runny nose, red or itchy eyes, and irritated skin.

How can expert evidence assist the court in a damp/mould case?

One of the trickiest aspects of a case involving damp and mould is whether or not the presence of these factors caused the complainant’s health issues. Often multiple occurrences must be considered and their impact on causation weighed up. For example, on 19 December 2020 Awaab was taken to Rochdale Urgent Care Centre after spending two weeks short of breath. The Centre subsequently transferred him to Royal Oldham Hospital. The inquest heard that Royal Oldham Hospital, who discharged him after diagnosing croup, should have admitted the toddler into the children’s ward to allow his condition to be better assessed. It may take several expert witnesses to analyse not only the property but also the medical response to the health problems complained of to be able to provide the court with helpful information.