When it comes to possibly dirty food, the five-second rule seems reasonable: If you drop an item on the floor, you can still eat it as long as you have snatched it back up within five seconds. The exceptions are if you have pets, a plate or glass has broken along with the wine it contained, or an item capable of adherence (like pizza) has landed face-down.
But moldy food seems to get to the root of our dirty-food tolerance. For some, mold is a food's one-way ticket to the trash. Others just scrape off the corner to basically eat around the spots. Make Magazine highlights the debate between one husband and wife.
Now, in defense of their stance, either side can quote the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which has released a comprehensive review of how mold appears on food, what you can eat and what you should discard.
The basic rule of thumb is that you can cut around mold on firm
fruits and vegetables as well as hard and soft cheeses. Dry, cured
salami and ham can also be saved. Other than that, it seems like
everything from baked goods to lunch meats should be tossed.
And just in time, based on the results of a 2008 study
published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, which
shows that "young adults, particularly white men, engage in risky
eating behaviors." Considering the number of dumb bets that involve
food in the wake of a generation raised watching Fear Factor, this isn't particularly shocking.
Common sense would seem to be relevant here as well. When leftovers mutate into science experiments, it's time to toss the takeout.
[Image via Flickr: miss karen]
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