Is moldy peanut butter safe to eat?
Quick Answer
No
Moldy peanut butter is not safe to eat due to the potential presence of harmful molds, such as aflatoxins, which can cause serious health issues.
What Is It?
Moldy peanut butter refers to peanut butter that has been contaminated with mold, often visible as discolored spots or a change in smell and texture.
How to Tell
- Visible mold growth, often green or black
- Off smell
- Change in texture
Why It Can Be Risky
Consuming moldy peanut butter can pose several health risks, primarily due to the potential presence of harmful molds.
- Aflatoxins, a type of mold found in peanuts, can cause liver damage and cancer.
- Mold can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems.
- Some molds produce mycotoxins, which can cause neurological problems and weakened immune system.
Safe Method?
The safest method is to discard the entire jar of moldy peanut butter. Even if the mold is only visible in one area, spores could have spread throughout the jar.
Can You Just Cut It Off?
It is not safe to simply cut off the moldy part and eat the rest, as mold spores can spread throughout the peanut butter.
Safe Alternatives
If you find your peanut butter is moldy, consider alternatives such as almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or other nut butters.
Storage Tips
Store peanut butter in a cool, dry place.’, ‘Seal the jar tightly after each use.’, ‘Avoid double-dipping to prevent introducing bacteria into the jar.