A doctor who graduated from Harvard University has gone viral after warning people to throw out mouldy bread immediately – even if it affects just one slice.
Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist, shares his experience and knowledge with his 475,000 followers on TikTok (@doctorsethimd ).
He previously revealed the common Christmas health problem that should never be ignored – heartburn – as this can be a sign of oesophageal cancer.
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And with leftovers galore soon to be filling households, there’ll be many looking to create the ultimate festive sandwich.
Make sure to check your bread first, though, as Dr Sethi is warning people not to make the mistake of throwing out only slices with any signs of mould on – but to throw out the entire loaf instead, reports What’s The Jam.
In the clip, which has racked up over 8,000 views and hundreds of likes, he starts with a firm message: “Stop eating mouldy bread”.
Dr Sethi, 42, from California, US, continues: “If you see green mould on your bread, toss it out.
“Don’t even think about cutting off the mouldy part.”
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The doctor explains that this “small mistake” can pose serious risk, especially for those with mould allergies or lung issues.
He said: “That green mould is actually a fungus, just like mushrooms in the forest, which may look small above the ground, but spread wildly beneath.
“The mould on your bread permeates the entire loaf.
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“What you see on the surface is just the reproductive part of the fungus.”
Dr Sethi says not to be fooled, as throwing away just the one mouldy slice doesn’t make the rest safe to eat.
And if you do accidentally chow down on a piece of green fungus, here are the warning signs to look out for, which suggest you should seek urgent medical help.
He added: “If someone eats mouldy bread, they may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps or allergic reactions; such as hives or breathing issues.
“In rare cases, mycotoxins in the mould can cause long-term health problems, especially in large quantities or for those with weakened immune systems.
“[Remember to] stay calm, as most people won’t have serious effects.
“Drink lots of water if experiencing mild discomfort [to stay] hydrated.
“Monitor symptoms and seek medical help if they are severe; such as persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing or swelling.
“Discard mouldy food and avoid eating more, as some moulds can produce harmful toxins.
“In general, though, it’s best to avoid mouldy food.”
