Food Safety Certification Practice Test

Which statement is true regarding mold and mycotoxins in food?

1. They are easily destroyed by cooking.

2. They can be eliminated by freezing food.

3. They thrive in humid environments.

4. They are safe to consume if cooked well.

The correct answer is: They thrive in humid environments.

Mold and mycotoxins are indeed known to thrive in humid environments. Mold requires moisture to grow, and areas with high humidity are conducive to mold development. The presence of moisture allows mold spores to germinate and proliferate, leading to spoilage and potential health risks through the production of mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds produced by certain types of fungi. Contrary to the other statements, cooking does not reliably destroy mycotoxins, as they are quite heat-resistant and may remain potent even after being exposed to high temperatures. Similarly, freezing food is not effective for eliminating either mold or mycotoxins since freezing can halt mold growth but does not kill mold or neutralize mycotoxins; these can become active again once the food thaws. Lastly, consuming moldy food is not safe, even if it is cooked well, because mycotoxins are not rendered harmless through cooking, and they can pose serious health risks regardless of the food's appearance after cooking.