M&s Wholemeal Loaf...

[sandyRoe]

Sell by date is today. When opened there's a slight smell similar to nail varnish. Is it safe to eat or should it be binned?

[jd_1984]

Nail polish remover is usually acetone, and that's probably the chemical being released by the mold in your bread. Although the mold is most likely harmless, there are a few nasty molds that infect grains. Acetone itself is toxic, but the levels in your bread are probably too low to do any damage.

[Sipowicz]

When in doubt, chuck it out!

[Psybbo]

I wouldn't eat it

[elliemay1]

If there's no sign of mould it should be ok. Maybe best to toast it.

[factor-fiction]

Or make breadcrumbs

[jd_1984]

Give it to the ducks!!

[sandyRoe]

If it's not fit for human consumption it's hardly fair on the ducks to risk poisoning them

[Robinia]

I think I know what you mean, I thought of it more as a tcp type smell though and I've come to the conclusion that it's the wrapper. Maybe it's chemicals in those or even chemicals used at the bakery. Either way I'm still here. :)

[snags]

M&S eh... rest assured that any mold present will be 'the finest, most prolific and highly contagious mold'...

[Robinia]

I should have said it's with other wrapped bread that I've noticed it, not M&S.

[jd_1984]

That is where our "about to go off bread" (as in we wont have time to eat it before expiry date) goes. I wouldnt feed the ducks mouldy bread, well maybe a couple of specks. They havent complained yet!

[Robinia]

Oh dear, google 'bread chemical smell' Sandy, it seems we're not alone. I haven't read any of them yet.

[pastafreak]

Are you sure its not the plastic packaging? It sometimes will give off an odd odour...particularly if the contents are a bit damp. Maybe leave a few slices out in the air,and see if they still smell after 20 minutes or so.

[Jemisa]

Is it 'Sell by date' on it, or 'Use by? If its Sell by its ok for 24 hrs. If its
Use by... Bin It.

jem

[gingejbee]

Most sliced wrapped breads now use vinegar as a "natural" preservative - it's the smell of acetic acid changing slightly and is safe. Taken out of the wrapper, the smell disappears.