Think you found mold on your beef jerky? Not so fast. White spots on beef jerky can be mold, fat, or salt. Proper identification is key. The fat and salt on the outside of beef jerky are safe to eat, but you should throw away any jerky that has mold growing on it.
Beef jerky is a tasty snack made by drying seasoned lean beef. Because jerky contains little moisture, it can keep without refrigeration. However, jerky can still spoil and develop mold if it’s not stored properly. So what happens if you accidentally eat jerky with mold growth?
Can Eating Moldy Jerky Make You Sick?
Yes, consuming moldy jerky can potentially lead to foodborne illness. This applies to any meat product, including beef, turkey, pork or other types of jerky.
Mold growth is caused by fungi that release spores and tiny roots that penetrate food. So even if you only see surface mold, the fungi may exist deeper inside the product.
According to the USDA, certain molds produce poisonous substances called mycotoxins Mycotoxins are not destroyed by cooking and freezing Consuming mycotoxin-contaminated foods can cause mycotoxicosis.
Common symptoms of mycotoxicosis include
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Headaches
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
In severe cases, mycotoxins can suppress the immune system and cause organ damage. People with weakened immune systems are at highest risk.
Molds That Commonly Grow on Jerky
Over 100,000 species of mold exist in the environment. The types of mold that can grow on jerky include:
Aspergillus: One of the most common molds. It starts off white then turns black. Linked to lung infections if inhaled.
Penicillium: Grows as white then blue-green mold. Produces mycotoxins that can cause illness.
Fusarium: Grows as white or pink mold. Also releases harmful mycotoxins.
Mucor: Fast-growing grayish mold that can cause mucormycosis infections.
Rhizopus: Similar to Mucor. Causes food to become slimy.
While some molds like Penicillium are used safely in foods like blue cheese, the same molds can be dangerous on meat products like jerky. It’s impossible to tell just by looking if a mold will make you sick.
Can You Cut Off the Mold and Eat the Rest?
It’s not recommended to cut away moldy sections and consume the remaining “good” jerky. Mold tends to spread beneath the surface through its root-like fibers. So while you may not see visible mold, spores likely spread deeper into the product.
The USDA advises discarding the entire food package if any mold is detected. This applies to hard salami, yogurt, jelly, bread and jerky. With soft foods, mold can multiply quickly and penetrate far down. It’s better to be safe and avoid eating any of the jerky from a contaminated package.
How to Prevent Mold Growth on Jerky
Follow these tips to prevent mold growth on beef jerky:
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Dry thoroughly: Mold needs moisture to grow. Make sure jerky is dried properly with very low moisture content.
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Limit oxygen exposure: Mold needs air to thrive. Package jerky with minimal oxygen inside. You can use oxygen absorber packets.
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Store properly: Keep jerky in a cool, dark, dry place. Refrigeration can help inhibit mold.
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Check packaging: Don’t use jerky if the package is damaged or swollen, which allows air inside.
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Use quickly: Eat jerky within a few weeks and don’t let it sit around for months.
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Examine before eating: Inspect jerky first and discard any pieces with mold.
What to Do if You’ve Eaten Moldy Jerky
If you’ve consumed jerky with mold, monitor yourself for any symptoms of foodborne illness like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever or dizziness. Symptoms may start within hours up to a few days later.
Contact your doctor if you experience severe vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain for more than a day or two. Also seek medical care if symptoms are persisting beyond three days.
You may need IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, or antibiotics if you have a fever or bloody stools indicating infection. People with weakened immune systems should call their doctor right away after eating moldy jerky.
In most cases, symptoms should resolve on their own within a week. Drink plenty of fluids and get extra rest until you start feeling better. But don’t hesitate to call your physician if you have concerns about your condition.
Can You Still Eat Jerky After Finding Mold?
Finding mold on one piece of jerky doesn’t necessarily mean you need to throw out any unopened packages. But take these precautions going forward:
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Inspect all jerky closely before eating. Discard any pieces with mold.
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If you find mold again, it’s best to discard the entire open package. Mold likely spread to other pieces.
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Check unopened packages for any bloating or damage which could allow air and mold inside.
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Make sure to store all unopened jerky properly in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate after opening.
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Consume opened packages within a week or two. Don’t let them sit for long periods.
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If mold reappears frequently, consider buying jerky from another source.
The bottom line is you should be extra cautious with jerky after discovering mold on some pieces. But as long as you take precautions, you can safely continue enjoying jerky without getting ill. Just be diligent about inspecting it thoroughly and storing it properly going forward.
When to Throw Out All Your Jerky
It’s safest to discard all jerky packages if:
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You find mold frequently after opening new packs from the same batch or brand. This indicates a bigger production or packaging issue.
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The jerky has an “off” smell like ammonia, which is a sign of spoilage.
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You see bloating or damage on unopened packages that could allow air and mold inside.
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You or someone else experiences illness after eating jerky from the batch.
If mold appears to be a recurring problem with that brand or batch of jerky products, it’s best to discard everything to avoid getting sick. You can contact the manufacturer to report issues and potentially get a refund.
Can Dogs Eat Moldy Jerky?
No, you should not feed your dog jerky with mold growth. Consuming mycotoxin-contaminated products can make dogs sick just like people.
Signs of mycotoxin poisoning in dogs include:
- Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite
- Lethargy, weakness and unwillingness to move
- Increased thirst and urination
- Jaundice and liver problems
Take your dog to the vet if they seem ill after eating moldy jerky. They may need medications and IV fluids to recover.
Like with humans, it’s also not a good idea to simply cut the mold off jerky and feed the rest to your pet. Discard any meat products with mold to keep your furry companions safe.
The Bottom Line
Moldy jerky – whether beef, turkey or other varieties – should not be consumed. While a small amount of mold likely won’t make most healthy adults violently ill, it can still cause unpleasant symptoms. And you never know if the mold produces dangerous mycotoxins that could lead to severe illness in some individuals. It’s better to be safe and throw away any meat that has mold.
Properly Dry Your Beef Jerky
Mold is most often caused by not drying out enough, so the best way to stop it is at the beginning. Beef jerky should be dried to a sufficient level. This will ensure that the jerky is shelf-stable and less likely to mold. If the jerky is completely dried and properly packaged with minimal oxygen exposure, then mold will not grow.
Salt on Beef Jerky
The white, powdery substance on the outside of beef jerky can sometimes be salt.
Salt is an essential ingredient in beef jerky. It serves as a natural preservative. Salt is soluble in a liquid solution and is absorbed into the meat. Over time, as the jerky continues to dry out, the salt starts to leave behind deposits that can be seen on the surface.
Like when you swim in the ocean and then lay out in the sun to dry off—that salty film on your skin is the same thing.
Verdict: Safe to eat.
What Happens If You Eat Mold?
FAQ
Can moldy jerky make you sick?
What happens if you accidentally eat mold on meat?
Can you cut mold off beef jerky?
What does moldy beef jerky look like?
What happens if you eat moldy jerky?
The consequences of eating moldy jerky depend on the exact type of mold, the amount you consumed, and your overall health. Some types of mold will cause only minor symptoms, like brief queasiness or stomach discomfort. If you only ate a tiny bit, you might not have any symptoms at all.
Can you consider beef jerky a healthy snack?
No, as this is high in salt and other preservatives to main both its structure, taste and longevity. As a processed meat, beef jerky is also higher in saturated fat. All the salt, preservatives and saturated fat can be harmful to primarily your heart health. It is best to swap this out for some chicken breasts that have been cubed or homemade turkey balls.
Does beef jerky mold?
Beef jerky should be dried to a sufficient level. This will ensure that the jerky is shelf-stable and less likely to mold. If the jerky is completely dried and properly packaged with minimal oxygen exposure, then mold will not grow. Proper packaging is critical to preventing mold. Mold will not grow without oxygen.
Does jerky go moldy?
The reason for that is that many people don’t understand how much moisture has to be dried out of the meat while dehydrating it or don’t store the store-bought moist jerky properly. To assure that your jerky won’t go moldy, you must keep it vacuum-sealed because any mold needs oxygen to grow.