Is it safe to eat lychees that have developed mold?

Feb 08, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, moldy lychees are not recommended for consumption. To ensure food safety and health, it is advised not to take the risk of eating any moldy food. When purchasing fresh fruits, attention should be paid to checking their surfaces for any abnormalities, and proper storage is recommended to reduce the risk of mold growth. Once food is found to be moldy, the safest practice is to discard it directly to avoid potential health risks.

Generally speaking, it is not recommended to eat moldy lychees. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Moldy lychees typically indicate that the storage environment has been excessively humid or that they have been stored for too long. Mold may have already penetrated into the fruit's flesh. Even if the surface of the pulp appears normal, harmful substances such as mycotoxins and bacteria might have developed. These harmful substances cannot be removed through simple washing or high-temperature cooking and consuming them may lead to food poisoning. In severe cases, shock or other serious consequences may occur. Therefore, it is not advisable to eat moldy lychees.

To ensure food safety and health, it is recommended not to take risks by consuming any moldy food. When purchasing fresh fruits, one should carefully check their surfaces for abnormalities and store them properly to reduce the risk of mold growth. If any food is found to be moldy, it should be discarded immediately to avoid potential health risks.

In daily life, attention should be paid to the rational combination of foods, excessive consumption should be avoided, and a balanced diet should be maintained.