Why old fruit and veg should probably be binned
A clinical microbiologist warns that consuming produce past its prime poses significant health risks, particularly from bacteria like Listeria. The expert advises against simply cutting off moldy parts, as contamination can spread throughout the item.
Why it matters
Understanding food safety practices is essential for preventing foodborne illnesses, which can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations.
Is it ok to cut off the soggy bit of a cucumber and eat the rest? Can a one mouldy berry contaminate the entire punnet?
Sunday Morning 3 August 2026 5 min read Caption: Food poisoning will can make you very ill and if you're very old, very young or immunocompromised can be deadly. Photo credit: Unsplash Eating produce that’s past its best is more dangerous than we might think, Dr Primrose Freestone professor in clinical microbiology at the University of Leicester says.
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