Does mold on blueberries make you sick?

Mold is a fungus that can grow on a variety of foods, including blueberries. While some molds are harmless, others can produce mycotoxins, which are toxic substances that can cause illness in humans.

The type of mold that grows on blueberries is typically Rhizopus stolonifer, which is a common mold that is found in soil, water, and air. This mold is not known to produce mycotoxins, so it is generally considered safe to eat blueberries that have been exposed to it.

However, if you are unsure of the type of mold that is growing on your blueberries, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard them. Mold can spread quickly, so it is important to remove any moldy blueberries from the rest of your fruit to prevent it from contaminating the other berries.

If you are allergic to mold, you may experience symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and itchy throat after consuming blueberries that have been exposed to mold. In some cases, mold can also cause more serious health problems, such as lung infections and pneumonia.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of a mold allergy, it is important to see your doctor.