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Mold On Tomato Sauce Can Cause Disease

A close-up of mold on the surface of spoiled tomato sauce after a long power outage. Dangers of mold in tomato sauce include mycotoxin production, which can cause digestive upset, such as nausea and diarrhea, and potential kidney or neurological issues from toxins like aflatoxins. Contrary to some popular lore, cooking does not always eliminate these dangerous substances. (Photo by Patricio Murphy/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13154334
Date Taken	3 January 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Patricio Murphy/NurPhoto
Category	Economy, Business and Finance
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Patricio Murphy/NurPhoto

food mold fungus fungi toxins unsafe rotten macro close-up tomato sauce mold tomato sauce spoilage power outage mycotoxins digestive upset nausea diarrhea kidney issues neurological issues toxins aflatoxins cooking dangerous substances food safety food spoilage health risks contamination toxin production foodborne illness power failure food storage food preservation food contamination food poisoning food hygiene foodborne toxins food safety hazards foodborne pathogens kitchen safety food handling.