Is it ok to eat moldy fish sauce?
Quick Answer
No
Consuming moldy fish sauce can lead to food poisoning and other health issues. It’s best to discard any food product that shows signs of mold.
What Is It?
Fish sauce is a liquid condiment made from fish or krill that have been coated in salt and fermented for up to two years. When it becomes moldy, it means that it has been contaminated by fungi, which can produce harmful toxins.
How to Tell
Signs of mold in fish sauce may include a change in color, a foul smell, or visible mold growth on the surface or inside the bottle.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating moldy fish sauce poses several health risks.
- Food poisoning: Consuming moldy food can cause food poisoning, resulting in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may have allergic reactions to mold, which can cause symptoms like sneezing, itching, and rash.
- Respiratory problems: Inhaling mold spores can lead to respiratory problems, especially in people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Safe Method?
The safest method is to discard any fish sauce that shows signs of mold. It’s not worth the risk to consume it.
Safe Alternatives
If you’ve run out of fish sauce, you can use alternatives like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or oyster sauce.
Storage Tips
Store fish sauce in a cool, dark place.’, ‘Keep the bottle tightly sealed when not in use to prevent exposure to air and moisture, which can promote mold growth.