Mold is a fungus that is found in most indoor and outdoor places. In nature, its function is to decompose dead material and return nutrients to the environment. Mold grows by digesting animal or plant matter, such as dirt, food, leaves, paper, wood, etc. Mold spreads by releasing tiny spores that travel through the air. Mold grows best in dark, moist places, such as trash cans, basements, piles of decomposing leaves.
Mold is often visible as fuzzy green blotches on the surface of foods such as bread. Molds also have branches and roots which can penetrate inside food, where it cannot be seen. Do not consume any food with visible mold.
Mold Allergy Symptoms
Allergic reactions to mold are similar to many other allergies. They include:
- Hives or rash
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Wheezing
Because mold exists almost everywhere, avoiding all exposure to it may not be possible. However, choosing your foods carefully is one way to minimize your exposure.. Check all foods for mold before eating them. Smelling foods to see if they are spoiled is also a bad idea because you can inadvertantly inhale mold spores and set off an allergic reaction. Additionally, you should avoid foods that are more likely to contain mold, such as:
- Breads and other foods containing yeast
- Canned juices
- Cheese
- Dried fruits such as dates, figs, prunes, and raisins
- Hot dogs, sausages
- Mushrooms
- Meat or fish over 24 hours old
- Pickled or smoked meats and fish
- Sauerkraut
- Sour cream, sour milk, and buttermilk
- Soy sauce
- Vinegar and foods with vinegar (e.g. salad dressing, ketchup and pickles)
