If one piece of bread has mold on it should you throw out the whole loaf?

Here's why:

* Mold spreads quickly: Mold can grow rapidly, and even if you don't see it on other slices, it might be present but just not visible yet.

* Mold spores: Mold releases microscopic spores into the air. These spores can travel and contaminate other food in your kitchen, especially other breads.

* Health risks: Some mold can produce toxins that are harmful to health. It's better to err on the side of caution and discard the whole loaf.

Exceptions:

* Hard bread: If it's a very hard, dry bread like a baguette or crouton, you *might* be able to remove the moldy portion and use the rest. But it's still risky, as mold spores can penetrate the bread.

* Refrigerator: If the bread was refrigerated and the mold is on the surface only, you could try removing the moldy slice and closely inspecting the remaining bread. However, this is not recommended for mold on soft breads like white or wheat.

Always prioritize safety and avoid consuming any moldy food.