After carefully reviewing the couple’s daily habits, doctors identified a “silent culprit” — a refrigerator that was always overstuffed and rarely cleaned.

Recently, a 50-year-old couple surnamed Wang in China were shocked to learn that both had been diagnosed with early-stage liver cancer during a routine community health screening. What puzzled doctors and family members alike was that neither of them had hepatitis, drank alcohol, nor maintained unhealthy sleep habits.

Following a thorough investigation into their lifestyle, medical professionals pointed to an unexpected source: their refrigerator.

The Refrigerator Is Not a “Time-Freezing Safe”

Doctors emphasized that a refrigerator is not a permanent food storage vault, nor does it stop time or eliminate bacteria. In fact, food stored for long periods in a damp, enclosed, and poorly ventilated environment can become a breeding ground for toxins — especially aflatoxin, a fungal toxin recognized as one of the most powerful causes of liver cancer.

These invisible toxins can slowly and silently damage the liver over time, as was the case with this couple.

If your refrigerator contains any of the following foods, doctors advise checking immediately and discarding them without hesitation.

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1. Soaked Wood Ear Mushrooms or Other Mushrooms

Wood ear mushrooms and dried fungi are nutritious, but they become dangerous if soaked for more than 4 hours or stored after soaking — especially overnight or in warm conditions. Under such circumstances, they can produce aflatoxin and other mold-related acids.

These toxins are heat-resistant, meaning cooking cannot destroy them. They may cause severe liver and brain damage and, in extreme cases, death.

Safe practice:
Soak only the amount needed for immediate use, ideally for 1–2 hours. If the mushrooms feel slimy, overly soft, or emit an unusual odor, discard them immediately.

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2. Moldy, Bruised, or Rotten Fruits

Many people believe that cutting away the moldy part makes fruit safe to eat. This is a dangerous misconception.

Once mold appears, fungal threads have often penetrated deep into the fruit, including areas that still look fresh. Toxins such as patulin (commonly found in apples and pears) and aflatoxin have been scientifically proven to be carcinogenic to the liver.

Washing or trimming only removes what is visible — it does not eliminate toxins already absorbed into the fruit’s tissue.

Safe practice:
If fruit shows mold, discoloration, or a strange smell, discard the entire piece without regret.

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3. Bitter or Moldy Nuts and Low-Quality Peanut Products

If you eat cashews, sunflower seeds, peanuts, or other nuts and notice a bitter, burnt, or moldy taste, this is a strong warning sign of aflatoxin contamination.

Aflatoxin is often described as 68 times more toxic than arsenic and directly attacks the liver.

Even more concerning, some peanut butter and handmade peanut oils are produced from moldy raw materials that may not show visible signs of spoilage.

Safe practice:
If you taste bitterness, spit it out immediately and rinse your mouth. Only purchase packaged products from reliable sources with clear labeling and expiration dates. Avoid extremely cheap, unlabeled, or homemade products of unknown origin.

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How to Protect Your Liver: Key Reminders

• Clean your refrigerator thoroughly every 1–3 months.

• Store raw and cooked foods separately in sealed containers.

• Once food packaging is opened, shelf life should not be judged by the original expiration date alone.

True “smart saving” means choosing fresh, safe food — not waiting until food spoils and trying to salvage it. People with a history of hepatitis B or C, or with family members who have had liver cancer, should undergo regular screenings.

A refrigerator can slow spoilage, but it cannot stop time or kill all bacteria. Do not let frugality turn into a hidden cost to your future health. Remind your family — especially elderly members — to review their food storage habits starting today.