If you accidentally eat mold, in most cases, nothing serious happens. The acids and enzymes in your stomach usually break down the mold cells, so healthy individuals generally won’t get sick from eating a small amount of moldy food

. However, there are some risks to be aware of:

• Allergic reactions: Some people may experience sneezing, runny nose, itchy throat, or other allergy symptoms after eating mold

• Gastrointestinal symptoms: Eating larger amounts of mold may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or indigestion as your body tries to expel the mold

• Mycotoxins: Certain molds can produce toxic substances called mycotoxins, which can cause poisoning, liver damage, or even cancer in rare cases, especially with high or repeated exposure

• Bacterial contamination: Moldy food, especially moist foods like fruits, cheese, or lunch meats, can also harbor harmful bacteria such as Listeria, which can cause serious illness

People with weakened immune systems, allergies to mold, or certain health conditions should avoid eating moldy food altogether, as they are at higher risk of infections or complications

. If you accidentally eat mold and feel unwell-especially if symptoms like persistent vomiting, diarrhea lasting more than three days, or allergic reactions occur-you should seek medical advice

. In summary, a small accidental ingestion of mold usually isn’t harmful for most people, but it’s best to avoid eating moldy food due to potential toxins and bacteria