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A small number of molds can produce mycotoxins, which are poisonous substances, or aflatoxins, which are cancer-causing poisons. Some molds that do not produce toxins can still cause allergic reactions or respiratory problems <ref name="usda"></ref>. Their effects can be accumulative, rather than immediately toxic as in the case of pathogenic bacteria. As a general rule of thumb, pigmented molds (non-white/grey) are more likely to produce poisonous substances (especially black mold which could be ''Aspergillus''), however there are exceptions to this rule <ref name="Bryan">[http://suigenerisbrewing.blogspot.com/2016/08/fact-or-fiction-can-pathogens-survive.html "Fact or Fiction? Can Pathogens Survive in Beer - Mould Edition." Bryan of Sui Generis Blog. 08/11/2016. Retrieved 08/11/2016.]</ref>.
Identifying mold based on what it looks like is not a reliable way to determine if a mold is a cause of concern for health <ref name="Bryan"></ref>. If mold is present in beer, it might be possible for commercial breweries to remove the mold and send it to a lab to check if it is a toxic mold before allowing the beer to be consumed. Some homebrewers may decide to risk taking a chance that the mold will not cause illness, however we recommend discarding beer that has come into contact with mold, especially if serving to others (mold growing on SOFT soft fruits and vegetables with high moisture content can be contaminated below the surface <ref name="usda"></ref>).
See the [http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/molds-on-food-are-they-dangerous_/ct_index USDA website], [http://ucfoodsafety.ucdavis.edu/files/26438.pdf this UC Davis Food safety sheet], and [http://suigenerisbrewing.blogspot.com/2016/08/fact-or-fiction-can-pathogens-survive.html "Fact or Fiction? Can Pathogens Survive in Beer - Mould Edition.," by Bryan of Sui Generis Blog] for more information on the health concerns of mold that grows on food.