Why does food go mouldy? – Fluorine Zone

Question: Why does food go mouldy?

Asked by courtneyj to Laura, Lily, Mark, Paul, Sarah on 22 Jun 2010 in Categories: General.
- Lily Asquith answered on 21 Jun 2010:
  
  Food is full of nutrients and if it is also warm and moist then I guess it is the perfect place for mould to live.
- Mark Roberts answered on 21 Jun 2010:
  
  Because bacteria and fungi which can be picked up from the air or surfaces start growing on it
  
  It’s food for them too – they use it to get energy!
- Sarah Bardsley answered on 21 Jun 2010:
  
  Mould are fungi which need to live of other plants and animals to get their energy. They breakdown and digest the organic matter and reproduce by releasing spores which are tiny and all around us. These spores get into fridges, jars and bread bins, settle of the food and muliply. Check out this nasty picture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mould!
- Laura Maliszewski answered on 22 Jun 2010:
  
  Food spoils because it contains sugars that are not only tasty to you, but also to bacteria and fungi. Mold is a fungus. It grows on older food and uses the sugars and nutrients to live.
  
  Plants have immune systems too, although they’re very different from those in animals. When food is fresh, ie closer to being alive, it can fend off the microbes. As it ages, it’s less able to do so and spoils.
- Paul Roche answered on 22 Jun 2010:
  
  Usually because my kids say “we’re not eating that rubbish”, after yet another of my failed attempts to cook something…

Question: Why does food go mouldy?

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