Eating moldy pastries can have neurological effects
- 9 years ago
Pastries such as bread products and cupcakes are popularly served during gatherings as complimentary appetizers or desserts. While they are easily enjoyable for their delectable taste, experts warn unseen mold can potentially contaminate these products, causing various illnesses.
According to microbiologist Dr. Windell Rivera, "Pwedeng magcontaminate ng ganitong pagkain ay Penicillium at Aspergillus. (These types of food can be contaminated by the fungi Penicillium and Aspergillus)."
According to the International Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biological Archives both fungi Penicillium and Aspergillus are among filamentous fungi known to cause spoilage of bakery products.
While molds and fungi are commonly assumed to be visible to the naked eye, experts said otherwise. Some types could not be seen, but could enter the body when spores are inhaled or when contaminated food is ingested. But what makes fungi hazardous to humans are the mycotoxins they produce.
"Itong penicillum pwedeng magproduce ng ochratoxin, 'yung aspergillus pwedeng mag-cause ng aflatoxin na pwedeng mag-cause ng neurological disorders (Penicillium can produce ochratoxins, while Aspergillus can produce aflatoxins. These mycotoxins can cause neurological disorders)," Rivera said.
Penicillium is a fungi genus, prevalent in cereal products. It can also contaminate common food such as bread, chocolate, coffee, and certain beverages. While it has several types, the Penicillium verrucosum is the one capable of producing the ochratoxin A. This mycotoxin is known to produce neurological response in farm animals such as cattle. Experts also said this mycotoxin can cause complications to the kidney or even cause cancer to humans.
Meanwhile, Aspergillus is a common mold present in the air. Although the fungal type is ordinarily breathed by humans, it can cause lung complications in immunodeficient individuals. The Aspergillus flavus, is the type capable of producing the hazardous aflatoxin which can cau
According to microbiologist Dr. Windell Rivera, "Pwedeng magcontaminate ng ganitong pagkain ay Penicillium at Aspergillus. (These types of food can be contaminated by the fungi Penicillium and Aspergillus)."
According to the International Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biological Archives both fungi Penicillium and Aspergillus are among filamentous fungi known to cause spoilage of bakery products.
While molds and fungi are commonly assumed to be visible to the naked eye, experts said otherwise. Some types could not be seen, but could enter the body when spores are inhaled or when contaminated food is ingested. But what makes fungi hazardous to humans are the mycotoxins they produce.
"Itong penicillum pwedeng magproduce ng ochratoxin, 'yung aspergillus pwedeng mag-cause ng aflatoxin na pwedeng mag-cause ng neurological disorders (Penicillium can produce ochratoxins, while Aspergillus can produce aflatoxins. These mycotoxins can cause neurological disorders)," Rivera said.
Penicillium is a fungi genus, prevalent in cereal products. It can also contaminate common food such as bread, chocolate, coffee, and certain beverages. While it has several types, the Penicillium verrucosum is the one capable of producing the ochratoxin A. This mycotoxin is known to produce neurological response in farm animals such as cattle. Experts also said this mycotoxin can cause complications to the kidney or even cause cancer to humans.
Meanwhile, Aspergillus is a common mold present in the air. Although the fungal type is ordinarily breathed by humans, it can cause lung complications in immunodeficient individuals. The Aspergillus flavus, is the type capable of producing the hazardous aflatoxin which can cau