What Happens if You Eat Moldy Bread?

Understanding the Health Risks
Mold is an organism that exists in many places in nature, where it helps break down organic materials. Mold also commonly grows on spoiling food, including bread, making it inedible. Eating moldy bread is not a healthy choice and can potentially cause foodborne illness, so it’s best avoided.

What Does Mold Contain?
Mold is composed of living organisms, known as microfungi. Mold spores contain proteins, enzymes and volatile molecules that can be allergenic, meaning they can cause allergic reactions. Some molds also produce toxins, or mycotoxins, which can be harmful when consumed.

Health Risks of Eating Moldy Bread
The health detriments associated with eating moldy bread vary depending on the type of mold present. For instance, some mold contains toxins that can act as a poison. Consuming even small amounts of these toxins can cause severe vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Additionally, moldy foods can contain bacteria like E. coli, salmonella and listeria. Thus, the potential health risks of eating moldy bread can be severe, depending on the type and quantity of mold present.

In general, it’s not recommended to consume moldy bread. Eating very small amounts of moldy bread poses a low risk, although the risk increases if a person has weakened immune system, is pregnant, elderly or very young.

Conclusion
It’s best to avoid eating moldy bread. Eating mold may increase the risk of foodborne illness and can lead to serious health complications, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, who are pregnant, elderly or very young. If you suspect your bread is moldy, or you see visible signs of mold, it’s best to throw it away.