Can You Eat Moldy Bread If You Toast It? Answered (2023)

Last Updated on June 6, 2023 by Lori Walker

Moldy bread is a common problem that many people encounter from time to time. While most people know that consuming moldy bread can be harmful, some wonder if it is safe to eat it if it is toasted.

 So can you eat moldy bread if you toast it?

We will explore the science behind mold growth, the potential health risks of consuming moldy bread, and whether or not toasting can make moldy bread safe to eat.

Is It Okay To Eat Moldy Bread If You Toast It?

No. While toasting moldy bread [1] may kill some mold spores, it is unreliable for making it safe to eat. The heat from the toaster or oven may kill some of the mold spores on the surface of the bread, but it may not kill all of them. 

“ You shall find out how salt is the taste of another man’s bread, and how hard is the way up and down another man’s stairs.”

– Dante Alighieri, Author

Additionally, some types of mold produce mycotoxins that can cause illness or allergic reactions, even if the mold is not visible on the bread.

Therefore, discarding any bread that shows mold growth is recommended, even if you plan to toast it. To prevent mold growth, store bread in a cool, dry place and consume it before it goes stale.

By taking these precautions, you can ensure that the bread you consume is safe and healthy. But what makes my bread taste sour?

What Causes Bread To Become Moldy?

1. Exposure to mold spores: Mold [2] spores are everywhere and can easily land on bread. If conditions are suitable, such as warmth and moisture, the spores can grow and produce visible mold.
2. High humidity: Humidity can create the moist environment mold needs to grow. Storing bread in a humid environment or exposing it to moisture, such as in a damp kitchen, can promote mold growth.
3. Temperature: Mold thrives in warm environments, so storing bread in a warm area, such as in direct sunlight or near a heat source, can accelerate mold growth.
4. Length of storage: The longer bread is stored, the greater the chance mold will develop. Mold can begin to grow on bread within a few days of purchase.
5. Types of bread: Some types, such as whole grain or homemade bread, may be more susceptible to mold growth due to their higher moisture content.
6. Contaminated ingredients: Bread can become contaminated with mold spores if its ingredients, such as flour or yeast, are already contaminated.

Learn what it means when bread does not mold after its expiration date here.

What Are The Potential Health Risks Of Eating Moldy Bread?

1. Allergic reactions: Some people may have an allergic reaction to the mold spores present in the bread, which can lead to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other allergic symptoms.
2. Mycotoxins: Some types of mold produce mycotoxins, toxic substances that can cause illness or even death. Symptoms of mycotoxin exposure can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and neurological symptoms.
3. Infectious diseases: Some types of mold can cause infections in people with weakened immune systems or other underlying health conditions.
4. Respiratory problems: Inhaling mold spores can cause respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
5. Gastrointestinal problems: Consuming moldy bread can cause gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating.

What Factors Determine Whether Toasting Can Make It Safe To Eat?

1. Degree of contamination: The contamination can affect whether toasting kills mold spores. If the bread is heavily contaminated with mold, toasting may not be enough to kill all the spores.
2. Type of mold: The effectiveness of toasting can also depend on the mold present on the bread. Some types of mold may be more resistant to heat than others.
3. The heat required: The heat required to kill mold spores can vary depending on the type of mold. To effectively kill mold spores, the bread must be toasted at least 160°F (71°C) for several minutes.
4. Time since contamination: The longer the bread has been contaminated with mold, the more likely the mold spores have penetrated the bread and may not be destroyed by toasting.
5. Allergies or sensitivities: Even if toasting kills mold spores, consuming moldy bread can still harm people with allergies or sensitivities to mold.

Also Read: Tips To Keep Bread From Molding So Fast

FAQs

Key Takeaways

While toasting moldy bread may kill some mold spores, it is unreliable for making it safe to eat. Eating moldy bread can harm your health, as some types of mold produce mycotoxins that can cause allergic reactions or illness. 

While toasting may kill some of the mold spores on the surface of the bread, it may not be enough to kill all of them, significantly, if the bread is heavily contaminated with mold. 

It is always best to discard any bread that shows signs of mold growth and to avoid consuming moldy bread altogether to prevent potential health risks. 

References: 

1. https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/basic-homemade-bread/
2. https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm

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Lori Walker

Lori is a self-taught baker and former owner of a successful bakery. She shares her love for baking through her blog, featuring delicious recipes, baking tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at running a bakery. You can speak with her directly at [email protected].

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