Moldy foods are affected by mold, and they produce fungal toxins that can be carcinogenic and damage overall health.
Global giant Protino has been forced to recall rhubarb/vanilla and apple/leek sour milk dessert from Danish supermarkets due to a mold infestation that makes it unfit for consumption. According to the recallconsumers who purchased the product must throw it away or return it to the store where they purchased it.
In particular,the following products were recalled:
PROTINO An apple/cinnamon based dessert
: 80 g
Production date: November 8,2024
Expiry date: december 23,2024
PROTINO An ingredient in a rhubarb/vanilla based dessert
: 80 g
Production date: November 8,2024
expiry date: December 23,2024.
And organic rice pudding with mold
Simultaneously occurring,Slovenia is withdrawing from the shelves the organic rice dessert produced by ALINOR SPA,also due to the appearance of mold in the product.
It’s over Organic vanilla rice dessert UHT 400g, VITARIZ brand with expiry date 18.05.2025, Italian origin.
the problem is the failure of the cup’s sealing membrane which can be damaged or unsealed, causing mold to appear on the product.
Mold affects moldy foods, producing fungal toxins that can be carcinogenic and harmful to overall health. Fungal toxins are not destroyed by cooking.
So what do I do if I see mold on food?
- Moldy bread
bread with mold spots should always be discarded, as the mold fungi may have spread throughout the product without being visible.
- Fruits and vegetables and fruits with mold
It is indeed especially significant to use only firm fruit when making jam,juice,puree and mustard. Apples and pears may contain toxins patulin fungusand you should know this especially if you make juice from squeezing these fruits.
In hard vegetables and fruits with less water, eg carrots, cauliflower and cabbage, you can simply remove the part affected by mold.
- nuts and nuts with a model
Moldy nuts should always be discarded.
- Cheese with mold
Dairy products, eg cream and cream milk and soft cheeses, eg cream cheese, cottage cheese, smoked cheese, mold-ripened cheeses and regular cut cheeses should always be thrown away if affected by mould. On hard cheeses, you can cut the point of the mold plus 1 cm around the affected area.
- Moldy meat
Meat should always be discarded if it is indeed infected with mold. Just removing the moldy part is enough.
* Cibum is a specialist food safety site aimed at industry and food professionals,and also conscious consumers.The aim of this article is to provide useful details to food scientists and food professionals who design food safety systems and measures of food businesses. Local and global food safety incidents are a valuable input to the hazard analysis of the food handling process (HACCP) that all food businesses are required to prepare and maintain by law..
How can consumers protect themselves from food recalls related to mold contamination?
Time.news Interview: The Dangers of Moldy Foods and Recent Recalls
Interviewer (Editor of Time.news): Welcome to today’s interview! With us is Dr. Emily Rutledge, a food safety expert who specializes in mycotoxins and foodborne diseases. Dr. Rutledge, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Emily Rutledge: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Recently, we learned that Protino, a significant player in the food industry, had to recall a sour milk dessert due to mold infestation. Can you explain what the risks are associated with moldy foods, especially when it comes to health?
Dr. Rutledge: Certainly. Moldy foods can produce mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds that can be harmful to human health. Some of these mycotoxins are known to be carcinogenic, which means they can increase the risk of cancer. Additionally, consuming moldy food may lead to various health issues, including allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and gastrointestinal disturbances.
Editor: That’s quite concerning.In this case, Protino recalled specific dessert products that were contaminated. Can you elaborate on what consumers should do if they suspect they have purchased such affected items?
Dr. Rutledge: Absolutely. In cases of recalls like this, it’s imperative for consumers to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Protino advised customers to return the affected products or dispose of them safely. If someone notices any signs of mold on food items, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not consume the product, even if it’s just a small area of mold.
Editor: What should consumers look for when assessing food products to prevent such situations?
Dr.Rutledge: Great question! First, always check the expiration dates and look for any signs of spoilage, such as changes in texture, unusual smells, or visible mold. When it comes to packaging, ensure it’s intact and sealed. If you’re unsure about any product, it’s best not to consume it.
Editor: With food recalls becoming more common, how should consumers stay informed about potential risks to their health from food products?
Dr.Rutledge: Staying informed is key. Consumers should regularly check food safety websites, follow local health department updates, and subscribe to alerts from the Food and drug Administration (FDA) or equivalent entities in their countries. Additionally, many states have their own food safety authorities with updates on recalls.
Editor: Lastly, how can food industry players, like Protino, improve their processes to prevent mold contamination in the future?
Dr. rutledge: Excellent point.The food industry must prioritize stringent quality control measures, including better monitoring of production and storage environments, implementing regular testing for mold and mycotoxins, and investing in research and development for mold-resistant food preservation methods. Education for staff about the importance of cleanliness and following safety protocols is also crucial.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rutledge, for this insightful discussion. It’s vital for consumers to be proactive about their food safety, especially in light of issues like mold contamination in food products.
Dr. Rutledge: Thank you for shining a light on this important topic.Public awareness can make a huge difference in food safety!
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for joining us today. Stay safe and informed!