Surprise in a walk in cooler

Mushroom in wall - N. Carlson

In October of 2017 an employee noted an unexpected location for a mushroom. This mushroom growth was noted in a walk in cooler. A leak in the pipe provided the water that supported the growth in the wall outside the cooler.

Wide shot of mushroom in wall - N. Carlson

The leak was fixed after the wall outside the cooler was opened up.

Typical fungal growth on a box in a walk-in cooler - N. Carlson

One of the most common fungal organisms found in walk-in coolers is Cladosporium sphaerospermum. Presumptively identified by small diameter colonies growing on dusty surfaces in the cooler including, cardboard, plastic and stainless steel.  Tease tape identification with a microscope can confirm the type of growth.

Cladosporium sphaerospermum - N. Carlson