Naturalist
A white mold fungus is commonly found on celery. A mycotoxin. I grow celery.
My guess is the older the celery, the more wide spread the fungus.
Edit:I have also read where Dr. Andrew Weil said to be careful with
Celery because of this mold, however, many fruits and vegetables are susceptible to fungus. Wash your produce and don't eat old fruits or vegetables.