Can expired dried shiitake mushrooms be eaten?

Generally, expired dried shiitake mushrooms should not be consumed to avoid potential harm to health. If someone accidentally eats expired dried shiitake mushrooms, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Expired dried shiitake mushrooms are unsuitable for consumption primarily because their quality may have deteriorated, posing health risks. During storage, if exposed to moisture, air, or bacteria, dried shiitake mushrooms can easily develop mold or spoilage. Such deterioration may result in visible signs such as mold spots, discoloration, or blackening, and may produce harmful substances like mycotoxins, which threaten human health. Expired dried shiitake mushrooms may also lose their original nutritional value—levels of vitamins and minerals may decrease—so consuming them provides insufficient nutrition and could even trigger health issues. Additionally, improper storage may cause off-odors; eating such mushrooms could lead to poor taste or digestive discomfort.

Therefore, to ensure food safety and health, it is advisable to avoid consuming expired dried shiitake mushrooms and instead use fresh ingredients for cooking, ensuring both food quality and well-being. Meanwhile, when storing dried shiitake mushrooms, choose a dry, well-ventilated environment, avoid dampness or moisture exposure, regularly inspect the stock, and consume them promptly to prevent waste and unnecessary food safety risks.