More and more questions are arising about how molds grow and what effects they will have on us if we ingest them. We know that some molds can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. And some molds, under the right conditions, can be extremely harmful to our health and may even be carcinogenic because they produce something called mycotoxins. Heat doesn't have any affect on mycotoxins so cooking won't do anything towards making moldy foods safe to eat. Foods to which molds have been intentionally added under controlled conditions, like Roquefort cheese, are safe.
Molds are a type of fungus and are widespread in nature.
They can be blue, green, pink, white or black. Molds generally like warm, damp places, but some can tolerate cold and even freezing temperatures. Some molds can thrive in salty and high sugar foods too. You can usually recognize molds by their furry or fuzzy appearance. They grow in tangled masses that spread rapidly and may cover several inches of food in two to three days.