Food safety
Do not scrape mould off spoiled food
Discard unintentionally mouldy food; removing the visible patch does not remove all contamination. Do not taste it; bag it for disposal and clean the affected storage area.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20
Why it matters
Mould can extend beyond the visible patch in spoiled bread or sauce.
Wrong action
Scraping off visible mould and serving the rest.
Correct action
Discard unintentionally mouldy food; removing the visible patch does not remove all contamination.
What to do
- Check opened bread, jam and sauces for unexpected mould.
- Discard unintentionally mouldy food; removing the visible patch does not remove all contamination.
- Do not taste it; bag it for disposal and clean the affected storage area.
If something happens
If someone becomes ill after eating, stop serving, keep food details and seek medical care. Call 999 for breathing difficulty, seizures or unconsciousness; do not induce vomiting.
Sources and review
- Centre for Food Safety — CFS: mouldy food
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.