Pizza is an easy food choice that is often enjoyed for any special event or celebration, but if your pizza contains mold it could become unsafe to eat.
Certain species of mold produce mycotoxins that may lead to health complications if consumed, with symptoms depending on both how much mold was eaten and an individual’s immune system.
Signs of mold
Moldy pizza can often be traced back to improper storage or handling practices. Therefore, you must recognize when food has gone bad to save both money and resources by not throwing away unnecessary meals.
If you notice mold on your pizza, it’s wise to discard it immediately and any food items in its vicinity that could have come into contact with it. Mold spores are airborne and can travel through the airwaves before landing on other food products causing them to spoil faster and become toxic.
Signs of food spoilage also include an unpleasant aroma or change in texture; for example, if your pizza has become slimy and soggy it could indicate mold has taken root beneath its surface.
As soon as mold spreads from pizza to other items in your refrigerator, spores can spread and cause headaches or nausea in humans.
Some foods can even become poisonous if they contain significant mold growth. Gray fur on forgotten bologna or white dust on cheese can contain potentially hazardous mycotoxins, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and other unpleasant symptoms. Luckily there are ways you can lower your risk by keeping your fridge clean and using safe storage methods for moldy foods.
Symptoms of mold
If your pizza contains mold, it is wise to dispose of it immediately. Mold spores can make people with allergies and respiratory conditions ill; inhaling moldy food may also wreak havoc with digestive systems causing sicknesses such as nausea, vomiting, and feeling unwell.
Moisture and improper storage are two primary contributors to moldy pizza. If exposed to excess moisture, mold will grow faster than it would if stored in the fridge or freezer. Moisture provides vital nutrients necessary for fungus growth in an ideal environment for its development.
The expiration date of your pizza should also be taken into consideration, since mold growth on frozen food after its due date can occur, producing mycotoxins which may cause illness in humans.
Moldy food may contain bacteria and fungus, potentially leading to diarrhea or vomiting in severe cases. Furthermore, it’s wise to wash your hands after handling potentially contaminated surfaces or food sources to stay safe from contamination.
Treatment
Since mold spores can spread from one person to the next through touch, some individuals may develop respiratory symptoms after eating pizza contaminated with mold spores. If you suffer from breathing problems or other health conditions, it is wise to avoid eating moldy food altogether and contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Though most types of mold are relatively harmless, some people may be sensitive to them and experience symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. A severe allergy could also include rashes or swelling on your face or throat.
Most experts advise tossing out frozen or refrigerated pizza that has been exposed to mold spores. Even if some spots on the pizza appear normal, according to Dr. Korin Miller’s advice, they could still be unsafe for human consumption due to mold’s musty odor that alters texture by turning slimy or fuzzy.
As well as tossing away moldy pizza, it is equally essential to regularly clean your refrigerator and kitchen appliances to eliminate spores. Household cleaners such as bleach, detergent, or hydrogen peroxide may help, though it’s wiser to hire professional mold removal services instead of trying these DIY techniques on porous items such as pizza stones.
Prevention
Proper storage of pizza is key to avoiding moldy pieces. Always place it in the refrigerator, preventing any prolonged periods on the counter where it could sit without being refrigerated. If any signs of mold develop, dispose of them immediately.
Mold spores can spread via airborne particles and cause contamination of any food that comes into contact with them. They will flourish under ideal conditions of warm temperatures and ample moisture content in the environment.
While some mold species produce dangerous mycotoxins, others don’t. Mycotoxins may cause respiratory ailments and in rare instances may even be toxic to animals. If you notice fungal growth on pizza crust or toppings, avoid eating it despite any indications that there might be mold growth present.
An innovative method has been devised for preventing mold spores from germinating in partially baked food such as pizza crusts by spraying them with an ethyl alcohol solution. This process delays their germination both at ambient and unrefrigerated temperatures as well as in hermetically sealed packages.
Storage pizza immediately in the freezer after its creation can also help prevent mold growth, by protecting its dough and ingredients from spoiling. Furthermore, keeping both the freezer and refrigerator clean ensures your pizza does not come into contact with other foods that could contaminate its safety.
