Can you still eat rice cake if it has developed a little mold?

It is generally not recommended to eat rice cake (ci ba) that has developed even a small amount of mold, as it may have adverse effects on health. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Rice cake is typically made by steaming and pounding glutinous rice into a sticky mass. It contains abundant nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, and fat, which can help replenish the body's nutritional needs, provide energy, and relieve fatigue. When rice cake becomes moldy, it indicates contamination by mold, commonly including Aspergillus flavus. Consuming such mold-contaminated food may lead to food poisoning symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If mold spores spread and proliferate in the lungs, they may cause extensive lung cell necrosis, trigger inflammatory responses, and potentially result in systemic fever or hemoptysis (coughing up blood), posing a serious threat to health.

In daily life, it is advisable to consume fresh food. Avoid eating any food that shows signs of spoilage or mold. If any physical discomfort occurs, seek prompt medical attention for diagnosis and treatment.