A recent food disgust quiz by IDRlabs on Twitter has raised some important points about the safety of eating moldy food.

While some people are willing to cut off the mold and consume the rest of the food, it's essential to understand that there are some types of mold that can produce harmful toxins that can lead to allergic reactions, respiratory problems, or other health issues.

Food safety expert Sylvia Anderson advised insider business that some foods, such as marmalade and firm fruit, can be safely consumed after cutting off the mold. However, it's essential to cut off an inch of the affected area and not put the knife in the mold to avoid cross-contamination.

In contrast, moldy yogurt, soft cheese, and pasta sauces should be avoided, even if the mold is removed.

It's crucial to note that even if the mold is cut off, there may still be moisture underneath where the mold can grow again. Therefore, it's advisable to throw away food that shows visible signs of mold or a strong odor.

Food safety expert Sylvia Anderson recommends avoiding foods such as yogurt, sour cream, and soft cheese if they have mold on them, even if you cut off the visible mold. This is because mold can grow in the moisture underneath the surface.

Similarly, she advises against spooning off mold from pasta sauces, despite the temptation, as some molds can produce toxic substances that can cause allergic reactions.

Even if you can't see any more mold after scraping it away, Anderson warns that it doesn't necessarily mean the food is safe to eat. Some molds can produce harmful substances that can cause health problems, so it's best to err on the side of caution.

Anderson admits to having cut mold off the last piece of bread when in desperate need of a slice of toast. However, she warns against this practice as the smell of mold can be off-putting and it's generally not advisable to eat bread that has had mold on it, even if you cut it off.