Scopulariopsis

Scopulariopsis is a genus of moulds of the class Hyphomycetes living in decaying plant material and foods. Scopulariopsis brevicaulis spoils cereals, meat, salami, cheese, and eggs. In food plants its appearance signals sanitation or storage failures, since these moulds colonize protein- and starch-rich foods when humidity and hygiene are poorly controlled. Removing contaminated product and correcting storage conditions stops its spread. Dry, well-ventilated storage discourages these moulds. Hygiene is the first line of defence. Early detection prevents wider contamination of stored foods.