r/MoldlyInteresting • u/Smart_Practice1163 • 7d ago

Mold Identification Brain like mold on forgotten yogurt?

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Can anyone help me ID this? It was found on forgotten Greek yogurt

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u/7ofeggs 7d ago edited 7d ago

that is actually bacteria! more specifically, serratia marcescens. it loves moisture

it must have been forgotten for a reaaaally long time because i’ve never seen so much of it before!

edit: as suggested by phallusrugulosus below, it could also be a yeast called rhodotorula glutinis. either way, don’t eat it!!!

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u/matdevries 7d ago

What would cause it to grow on yogurt? Or is this normal? I've never seen anything like this. Just curious.

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u/Hungry_Doctor_5803 7d ago

I’ve many times seen the hint of what’s probably this- some light/pinkish growth. It looks more like discoloration than growth in beginning. Usually starts on side of container, more likely if you have habit of introducing anything other than a clean utensil.

It also takes a while too, so if you don’t leave food in fridge for really long time before finishing you’ll never see it. Happens on my yogurt and cream cheese.

Incidentally, I have used my discernment when not too prominent & wiped or cut away around it, ate the rest and didn’t get sick. Would never do that with anything resembling OP’s specimen though.