Mushrooms are a bit moldy. Can they still be eaten after washing them clean

It is not recommended to consume moldy mushrooms even if they are washed clean. Mushroom mold may produce harmful substances such as aflatoxins, and conventional cleaning cannot completely remove mold and toxins, posing a food safety risk. When mold spots appear on the surface of shiitake mushrooms, the fungal hyphae may have penetrated deep into the internal tissues. The degree of mold spread cannot be judged by the naked eye, and even if the moldy part is removed, the remaining part may still be contaminated. Aflatoxin is heat-resistant and cannot be decomposed by ordinary cooking. Long term intake may damage liver function and increase the risk of cancer. In special circumstances where there are only slight white mold spots that have not penetrated the interior, immediate high-temperature stir frying or boiling treatment can be considered. But it is necessary to ensure that the moldy area is minimal and there is no abnormal odor, and to remove the moldy area and surrounding tissues of more than 1 centimeter. Children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals should strictly avoid consuming any moldy food.

Daily storage of shiitake mushrooms should be kept dry and ventilated, and refrigerated for no more than 5 days. If mold is found, it is recommended to discard the entire batch to avoid losing out on small gains. When choosing shiitake mushrooms, pay attention to the surface being dry and free of spots, and the gills being white and compact. If you experience symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea after ingesting moldy mushrooms, seek medical attention promptly and keep food samples for testing.