Can you get sick from eating moldy jam? (+5 tips)
By
Dr Juliana Davies de Oliveira (PhD)
| Reviewed by
Dr Anny Manrich (PhD)
The contents of this article are fact-based except otherwise stated within the article.
Author bio
Dr Juliana Davies de Oliveira graduated in Biological Sciences with an emphasis on microbiology and immunology. She is PhD in Biochemical Process Engineering. With more than 15 years of experience, she has expertise in Bioprocess, Fermentation, Industrial Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioinputs, Biopolymer and Bioinsecticide production and Biosecurity.
Dr Juliana Davies de Oliveira’s Highlights
- Researcher Consultant at the SENAI Innovation Institute (ISI – SENAI CETIQT) and member of the Internal Biosafety Commission (CIBio) of SENAI CETIQT
- Postdoctoral fellowship at the Catholic University of Brasilia/Brazil in the Postgraduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology
- International Experience in Barcelona/Spain – Department of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering at the Autonomous University of Barcelona/Spain.
- Coordinator and technical-scientific responsible for the Laboratory -Platform of Fermentation in Scale Pilot up to 125 L (Catholic University of Brasilia/Brazil)
- Collaborating researcher at the University of Brasilia/Brazil
- PhD and master’s degree in Chemical and Biochemical Process Engineering at the Federal at the University of Rio de Janeiro/Brazil
- Undergraduate professor at Catholic University of Brasilia/Brazil
- Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences: Microbiology and Immunology at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro/Brazil
Professional profile:
Dr Juliana Davies de Oliveira was a Researcher Consultant for the Biotechnology platform of SENAI CETIQT/SENAI Institute of Innovation in Biosynthetic and Fibers, linked to the fermentation area. In addition, she was a member of the Internal Biosafety Commission (CIBio) of SENAI CETIQT
She played a role in leading the fermentation laboratory, including operational training of equipment; installation of a pilot fermenter at the Catholic University of Brasilia/Brazil.
She additionally was an undergraduate Professor in the Biological Sciences, Pharmacy and General Training courses in Postgraduate Courses (Catholic University of Brasilia/Brazil)
She was a researcher at the University of Brasilia/Brazil.
Besides that, Dr Juliana Davies de Oliveira has done a technical visit to the Autonomous University of Barcelona/Spain
Furthermore, she has experience in reviewing scientific articles at the Brazilian Journal of Microbiology and the Microbial Cell Factories.
Education:
- 2020 – Postdoctoral in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology at the Catholic University of Brasilia/Brazil
- 2014 – PhD in Chemical and Biochemical Process Engineering at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro/Brazil
- 2010 – Master’s degree in Chemical and Biochemical Process Engineering at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro/Brazil
- 2008 – Bachelor in Biological Sciences (Microbiology and Immunology) at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro/Brazil
Relevant Published work & citations of Dr Juliana Davies de Oliveira
Articles
De Oliveira, Juliana Davies; Carvalho, Lucas Silva; Gomes, Antônio Milton Vieira; Queiroz, Lúcio Rezende; Magalhães, Beatriz Simas; Parachin, Nádia Skorupa. Genetic basis for hyper production of hyaluronic acid in natural and engineered microorganisms. Microbial Cell Factories, v. 15, p. 119-126, 2016.
Oliveira, Juliana D.; Lopes, L. M. A.; Pimenta, Flávia D.; Sérvulo, Eliana F. C. Low Cost Production of Pullulan Obtained From Granulated Sugar and Different Nitrogen Sources. International Journal of Engineering and Technology, v. 15, p. 11-17, 2015.
Oliveira, Juliana D.; Pimenta, Flávia D.; Lopes, Lea M. A.; Sérvulo, Eliana F. C. Rheological Analysis of Biopolymer Produced by Aureobasidium pullulans in Different Sources of Nitrogen. Macromolecular Symposia (Online), v. 319, p. 143-149, 2012.
Patents
De Oliveira, Juliana Davies; Parachin, N. S.; Gomes, A. M. V.; Carvalho, Lucas Silva; Magalhães, B. S. Levedura recombinante da espécie Kluyveromyces lactis para a produção de grandes cadeias de ácido hialurônico. 2016, Brasil. Register number: BR10201602018; Registration institution: INPI – National Institute of Industrial Property. Deposit: 08/31/2016
De oliveira, juliana davies; parachin, nádia skorupa; gomes, a. M. V.; magalhães, b. S.; carvalho, lucas silva. Levedura recombinante da espécie Hansenula polymorpha para a produção de grandes cadeias de ácido hialurônico. 2016, Brasil. Register number: BR10201602019; Registration institution: INPI – National Institute of Industrial Property. Deposit: 08/31/2016.
Book Chapters
Silva, O. B.; Carvalho, Lucas Silva; Almeida, G. C.; Oliveira, Juliana D.; Carmo, T. S.; Parachin, N. S. Biogas – Turning Waste into Clean Energy. In: Angela Faustino Jozala. (Org.). Fermentation Processes. 1ed.Rijeka, Croatia: Intech, 2017, v., p. 161-180.
Carvalho, L.; Silva, O. B.; Almeida, G. C.; Oliveira, Juliana D.; Parachin, N. S.; Carmo, T. S. Production Processes for Monoclonal Antibodies. In: Angela Faustino Jozala. (Org.). Fermentation Processes. 1ed.Rijeka, Croatia: Intech, 2017, v., p. 181-198.
Conference Papers
Oliveira, J. D.; Lopes, L. M. A.; Pimenta, Flávia D.; De Paula, R. C. M.; Sérvulo, Eliana F. C. Avaliação de metodologia para recuperação de pululana livre de melanina. In: 12º Congresso Brasileiro de Polímeros, 2013, Florianópolis. 12º Congresso Brasileiro de Polímeros, 2013.
Oliveira, J. D.; Lopes, L. M. A.; Pimenta, Flávia D.; Sérvulo, Eliana F. C. Produção de pululana em função das concentrações de carbono e nitrogênio. In: XIX Simpósio Nacional de Bioprocessos, 2013, Foz do Iguaçu. XIX Simpósio Nacional de Bioprocessos, 2013.
Oliveira, J. D.; Pimenta, F. D.; Servulo, E. F. C. Produção de pululana a partir de matéria-prima de baixo custo. In: 11º Congresso Brasileiro de Polímeros, 2011, Campos do Jordão/SP. 11º Congresso Brasileiro de Polímeros, 2011. p. 68.
Oliveira, J. D.; Pimenta, F. D.; Servulo, E. F. C. Avaliação reológica do biopolímero produzido por Aureobasidium pullulans em diferentes fontes de nitrogênio. In: 11º Congresso Brasileiro de Polímeros, 2011, Campos do Jordão/SP. 11º Congresso Brasileiro de Polímeros, 2011. p. 19.
Oliveira, J. D.; Pimenta, F. D.; Lopes, L. M. A.; Sarquis, M. I. M.; Servulo, E. F. C. Seleção de estirpe e fonte de nitrogênio para produção de biopolímero a partir de matéria-prima de baixo custo. In: XVII Congresso Brasileiro de Engenharia Química, 2008, Recife. XVII Congresso Brasileiro de Engenharia Química, 2008.
Oliveira, J. D.; Servulo, E. F. C.; Pimenta, F. D.; Lopes, L. M. A. Utilização de matéria prima de baixo custo para produção de biopolímero. In: IV Simpósio de Microbiologia Aplicada, 2009, Rio Claro/SP. Holos Environment – Suplemento 1 – IV Simpósio de Microbiologia Aplicada, 2009. v. 9.
You can view some of Dr Juliana’s work below and links to her professional profile:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Juliana-Oliveira-2/research
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=G3ZLG84AAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/juliana-davies-de-oliveira-285749197
Reviewer bio
Dr Anny Manrich PhD is a food Engineer with expertise in Food Technology, Natural Polymers, Edible Films, Enzymes, and Nanotechnology. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Anny Manrich’s Highlights:
- Research and Technology at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation
- PhD in Chemical Engineering with a focus on Biochemistry at the Federal University of Sao Carlos/ Brazil and a one-year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich/ Germany
- Bachelor of Food Engineering at the University of Campinas/ Brazil and a one-year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich/ Germany
“To solve a problem, global vision and multifactorial understanding are necessary. Therefore, in addition to expertise, one should seek multidisciplinary thinking connected with science and reality” – Dr Anny Manrich, PhD.
Professional Experience:
Dr Anny Manrich’s Experience Joining the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, as soon as she completed her doctorate,
Dr Anny Manrich has worked on several projects, including the more than three-year partnership project with BRF, a major food producer in Brazil. As a postdoctoral fellow.
Dr Anny Manrich has also contributed to several business consultancies and research projects of the National Nanotechnology Laboratory System in areas such as food technology, fibres, films and coatings and Nanotechnology; in a very determined way, having a great team relationship, being creative and committed.
Growing concerns about the safe introduction of nanomaterials into today’s life emphasises the need to create regulatory documentation in front of characterising, using and testing them. Dr Anny Manrich worked for two years on a characterization project for nanoscale materials, with the aim of exploring their possible health effects.
Despite not having specific academic training in packaging or polymeric films, Dr Anny Manrich works at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation in areas of edible and biodegradable films produced from agricultural waste and in the development of films with greater resistance to water, having articles published in renowned scientific journals, which demonstrates her multidisciplinary understanding and creativity.
In addition, she worked for four years as a consultant to a food company to develop a line of snacks that are healthy and that add functional ingredients, physiologically active compounds that bring health benefits, made from fruits and vegetables, enabling diet improvement, disease prevention and reduction of nutritional deficiencies.
Dr Anny Manrich participated as a member of the examination board for two Master’s exams and one PhD exam at the Department of Chemical Engineering of the Federal University of São Carlos.
Education:
- 2001 Bachelor in Food Engineering at the State University of Campinas, Brazil
- 1999 One year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich
- 2004 Master in Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
- 2012 PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
- 2010 One year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich
The main publications of Dr. Anny Manrich are:
Articles
Manrich, A., Moreira, F. K., Otoni, C. G., Lorevice, M. V., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. (2017). Hydrophobic edible films made up of tomato cutin and pectin. Carbohydrate Polymers, 164, 83-91.
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Martins, H. H. A., Manrich, A., Otoni, C. G., Carvalho, E. E. N., … & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Correlating emulsion characteristics with the properties of active starch films loaded with lemongrass essential oil. Food Hydrocolloids, 100, 105428.
Norcino, L. B., Mendes, J. F., Natarelli, C. V. L., Manrich, A., Oliveira, J. E., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Pectin films loaded with copaiba oil nanoemulsions for potential use as bio-based active packaging. Food Hydrocolloids, 106, 105862.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Immobilization of trypsin on chitosan gels: Use of different activation protocols and comparison with other supports. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 43.1 (2008): 54-61.
Manrich, Anny; Komesu, Andrea ; Adriano, Wellington Sabino; Tardioli, Paulo Waldir ; Giordano, Raquel Lima Camargo . Immobilization and Stabilization of Xylanase by Multipoint Covalent Attachment on Agarose and on Chitosan Supports. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, v. 161, p. 455-467, 2010.
Mendes, J. F., Martins, J. T., Manrich, A., Neto, A. S., Pinheiro, A. C. M., Mattoso, L. H. C., & Martins, M. A. (2019). Development and physical-chemical properties of pectin film reinforced with spent coffee grounds by continuous casting. Carbohydrate polymers, 210, 92-99..
Milessi, T. S., Kopp, W., Rojas, M. J., Manrich, A., Baptista-Neto, A., Tardioli, P. W., … & Giordano, R. L. (2016). Immobilization and stabilization of an endoxylanase from Bacillus subtilis (XynA) for xylooligosaccharides (XOs) production. Catalysis Today, 259, 130-139.
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Manrich, A., Pinheiro, A. C. M., Oliveira, J. E., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Development, physical‐chemical properties, and photodegradation of pectin film reinforced with malt bagasse fibers by continuous casting. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 137(39), 49178.
Mendes, J. F., Martins, J. T., Manrich, A., Luchesi, B. R., Dantas, A. P. S., Vanderlei, R. M., … & Martins, M. A. (2021). Thermo-physical and mechanical characteristics of composites based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) e spent coffee grounds (SCG). Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 29, 2888-2900..
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Martins, H. H., Manrich, A., Otoni, C. G., Carvalho, E. E. N., … & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2021). Development of quaternary nanocomposites made up of cassava starch, cocoa butter, lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsion, and brewery spent grain fibers. Journal of Food Science, 86(5), 1979-1996.
Manrich, A., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2021). Manufacture and performance of peanut skin cellulose nanocrystals. Scientia Agricola, 79.
Nascimento, V. M., Manrich, A., Tardioli, P. W., de Campos Giordano, R., de Moraes Rocha, G. J., & Giordano, R. D. L. C. (2016). Alkaline pretreatment for practicable production of ethanol and xylooligosaccharides. Bioethanol, 2(1)..
Manrich, Anny, de Oliveira, J. E., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. C. Physicochemical and Thermal Characterization of the Spirulina platensis. J. Agric. Sci. Technol. B, v. 10, p. 298-307, 2020.
Book Chapter
Terra, I. A. A., Aoki, P. H., Delezuk, J. A. D. M., Martins, M. A., Manrich, A., Silva, M. J., … & Miranda, P. B. (2022). Técnicas de Caracterização de Polímeros. Nanotecnologia Aplicada a Polímeros, 614.
Conference Papers
Ferreira, L. F., Luvizaro, L. B., Manrich, A., Martins, M. A., Júnior, M. G., & Dias, M. V. (2017). Comparação da estabilidade de suspensões poliméricas de amido/tocoferol e quitosana/tocoferol. In: CONGRESSO BRASILEIRO DE POLÍMEROS, 14., 2017, Águas de Lindóia, SP.
Manrich, A., Hubinger, S. Z., & Paris, E. C. (2017). Citotoxicidade causada por nanomateriais: avaliação do micronúcleo. In: WORKSHOP DA REDE DE NANOTECNOLOGIA APLICADA AO AGRONEGÓCIO, 9., 2017, São Carlos. Anais… São Carlos: Embrapa Instrumentação, 2017. p. 655-658.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Immobilization and Stabilization of Xylanase by multipoint covalent attachment on Glyoxyl Agarose Support. The 31st Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. 2009.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Application of immobilized xylanase on hydrolysis of soluble wood hemicelluloses after using microwave and organosolv pre-treatments. The 32nd Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. 2010.
You can view some of Dr Anny’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anny-Manrich-2
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=23103497100
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=Ea9qpr0AAAAJ
Linkedin: https://br.linkedin.com/in/anny-manrich-20693129
In this article, we are going to answer the question, “Can you get sick from eating moldy jam”? as well as provide 8 tips to ensure that you store and consume your jam safely.
Can you get sick from eating moldy jam?
Yes, you can get sick from eating moldy jam. Even if you scrape the layer of mold and eat the jam beneath, which seems to appear fine, there is still a high chance of contracting foodborne illnesses..
Jam can host mycotoxin-producing mold species that can be hazardous to your health. Microbiologists recommend not to scoop out the mold and use the remains, so you should discard any moldy jam immediately. (6)
The mold that you can see in your jam has even more to it. Where the white or green fuzzy is seen on the surface, the mold has also grown root threads below. (6)
What is moldy jam and how does it look?
Moldy jam is basically jam that has been infected by various species of fungi which grow in areas that contain moisture. Because these fungi multiply rapidly, their structure can easily be seen by the naked eye.
The mold on jams spreads over the top and appears to be fuzzy and velvety in texture. These molds often produce tiny spores which may be green, white, black, or gray in color. (6)
What are the potential risks of eating moldy jam?
When jams are infected by molds, they have a high possibility of being infected by mycotoxins. Upon consuming these mycotoxins by mistake, one may have to face adverse effects including food poisoning, immune deficiency, and even cancer. (7)
Consuming food products contaminated with mycotoxins can lead to acute effects characterized by the rapid onset of severe symptoms of illness.
The main mycotoxins found in jams are aflatoxins, ochratoxins (8) and patulin. Patulin is frequently found in apple jams (9).
Aflatoxins are produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, and are one of the most poisonous mycotoxins. Large amounts of aflatoxins can cause acute poisoning, damage to the liver, cancer and be life threatening. (7)
Ochratoxin is produced by species of Aspergillus and Penicillium. It can cause kidney damage and negative effects on the immune system and on fetal development. (7)
Patulin comes from species of Aspergillus, Penicillium and Byssochlamys. Some symptoms include nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances and vomiting. (7)
How to store and consume jam safely?
Here are 8 tips on how to store and consume jam safely:
- Clean the fridge often, at least once a month to avoid creating potential places for the growth of mold. (6)
- Make sure to close the lid of the jar tightly to avoid letting in any air or moisture inside.
- Store your store-bought unopened jam in a cool, dark and dry place. (10)
- An opened jar of jam should be kept in the refrigerator at 40°F or lower. (10)
- Regularly examine the jam and the container during use and check for possibilities of contamination.
- For homemade jams, make sure that the jars or cans that are going to be used for storage are properly sterilized and dried before putting the jam in. (10)
- Although many advocate scraping off the layer of mold, to safely eat the remaining jam, the USDA highly recommends to immediately discard the jar of jam, even if the mold is seen on the surface.
- If your jam has visible mold on it, don’t try to smell it. This can allow any moldy spores their way into your respiratory system and cause respiratory troubles. (6)
What are the signs of spoiled jam?
Certain indicators tell whether or not your jam has gone bad. You should pay attention to the appearance, consistency, smell, and taste of the jam.
Container
Always check the lid and seal of your jam. The presence of an unsealed lid on a jar can be an indication of spoilage, even in the absence of other visible signs. The growth of spoilage bacteria and yeast can generate gas, resulting in increased pressure within the food container, causing the lids to swell and the jar seals to break. (1,2)
Appearance
Mold or yeast growth may develop on your jam, producing off-odors and flavors (3), as an indicator of spoilage.
Consistency
If the consistency of the jam has become watery or softer, or it is separating into solid and water, it might indicate that the pectin in the jam is breaking down.
The water loss and its accumulation on the surface may become a favorable environment for microbial growth. (4, 5)
Smell
If the smell of the jam is sour, foul, or yeast-like, it is an indication that your jam has gone bad and you should discard it.
Conclusions
In this article, we have answered “can you get sick from eating moldy jam” as well as provided 8 tips to ensure that you store and consume your jam safely.
Other FAQs about Jam that you may be interested in.
Can you get sick from eating expired jam?
References:
- University of Missouri. How to determine spoilage in home-canned goods. Preserve it Fresh, Preserve it Safe: 2021, No.2.
- National Center for Home Food Preservation. General Canning Information.
- Sahu, M., Bala, S., Food processing, food spoilage and their prevention: an overview. Int. J. Life Sci. Scienti. Res., 3(1): 753-759.
- Rubinskiene, M., Speiciene, V., Leskauskaite, D., Viskelis, P. Effect of black currant genotype on the quality and rheological properties of jams. Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment.
- Kavaya, R.I., Omwamba, M.N., Chikamai, B.N., Mahungu, S.M. Sensory Evaluation of Syneresis Reduced Jam and Marmalade Containing Gum Arabic from Acacia senegal var. kerensis. Food and Nutrition Sciences.
- United States Department of Agriculture. Molds on Food: Are they dangerous?. Food Safety and Inspection Service.
- World Health Organization. Mycotoxins.
- Škrbić, B., Antić, I., Cvejanov, J. Determination of mycotoxins in biscuits, dried fruits and fruit jams: an assessment of human exposure. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo RIsk Assess.
- Olsen, M., Lindqvist, R., Bakeeva, A., Leong, S. L., Sulyok, M. Distribution of mycotoxins produced by Penicillium spp. inoculated in apple jam and crème fraiche during chilled storage. International Journal of Food Microbiology.
- National Center for Home Food Preservation. Making Jams and Jellies.
