Some molds produce toxins that can leach into foods and make unsuspecting humans ill.
This includes moldy mozzarella and Brie cheeses, sour cream, cottage cheese, yogurts, lunchmeats, bacon, casseroles, stews, butter, jellies, peanut butter, cucumbers, tomatoes, salad greens, corn on the cob, melons, bananas and peaches. The molds that typically grow on peanuts, rice and corn also produce potent toxins. If mold develops on rice, corn or products that contain these grains, such as cornmeal, flours, mixes, and cereals, toss away the entire box. Discard shriveled peanuts. On the other hand, if a few precautions are taken, it is safe to pare away the mold from hard or firm foods like Swiss and cheddar cheeses, bell peppers, cabbage, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, garlic, onion, zucchini, potatoes, apples and pears.