Moldy Foods Should Be Thrown Immediately Before Consuming

Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Hospital Dietician Özden Örkcü made an assessment about the harms of moldy food consumption. Noting that foods can deteriorate depending on various factors from production to consumption, dietitian Özden Örkcü said, “Molds, which are one of the microorganisms that cause spoilage, multiply depending on the appropriate temperature and humidity. Some molds cause changes in taste and odor, while others may show toxic properties. This toxic effect is caused by mycotoxins, besides their fatal toxicity, carcinogenic, mutagen, DNA-RNA and protein synthesis inhibitory, immunosuppressive effects can also be seen. said.

Noting that mycotoxins cause certain molds, Özden Örkcü said, “The most common molds are species such as Aspergillus, Penicillum, Alternaria, and Fusarium. Aspergillus, known as a warehouse mold that manifests itself in unsuitable conditions, aflatoxins have a toxic effect. warned.

Dietitian Özden Örkcü said that products such as fruits and vegetables, some cereal products, spices, pistachios, hazelnuts, cocoa can be contaminated with mold and contain mycotoxins.

Expressing that the mold itself is not poisonous, but the mycotoxin formed under certain conditions can be poisonous, dietitian Özden Örkcü said, “The mold itself is not poisonous, it gives a slightly moldy taste when eaten. However, under certain conditions metabolic products known as 'mycotoxins' or fungal toxins are formed and can be toxic to both humans and animals. Known carcinogenic mycotoxins include aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A. Therefore, anyone who wants to avoid taking risks should throw away moldy food immediately.” said.

Emphasizing that moldy foods should not be given to livestock or animals, as mycotoxins can cause disease, dietitian Özden Örkcü said, “They can also accumulate in the fat or offal of animals, and in this way, they can enter our own system when we eat them. Cold environments often slow down chemical and biological processes, so some foods should ideally be refrigerated.” said.