Food Contamination
Food Contamination
Definition
Food contamination refers to foods that are spoiled or tainted because they either contain microorganisms, such as bacteria or parasites, or toxic substances that make them unfit for consumption.
Food contamination is a serious issue because it results in foodborne diseases. Hence, awareness of potential sources of food contamination is an important component of good nutrition.
Food contamination refers to the presence in food of harmful chemicals and microorganisms which can cause consumer illness.
Food gets contaminated after a certain period of time because bacteria start growing in it. Food contains certain preservatives like salts and other chemicals. However, they do not last long and so if food is not frozen or heated up, bacteria will grow and take up nutrients it needs from food. Putting food in the fridge will only pause the replication of bacteria but will not kill them. They must be frozen or heated up. bacteria is everywhere, some might not cause an infection, some will.
How does food get contaminated?
Food contamination can be microbial or environmental, with the former being more common. Environmental contaminants that can enter the food supply chain include pesticides, heavy metals, and other chemical agents. Many opportunities exist for food to become contaminated as it is produced and distributed. To start with, bacteria are present in the animals raised for food. Meat and poultry can become contaminated during slaughter through cross-contamination from intestinal fecal matter. Similarly, fresh fruits and vegetables can be contaminated if they are washed using water contaminated with animal manure or human sewage. During food processing, contamination is also possible from infected food handlers. Lastly, poor hygiene in the home is also a factor.
Prevention of food contamination
• As with any meal, always wash your hands first.
• Prepare your child's lunch on a clean surface using clean utensils.
• Wash fruits and
Definition
Food contamination refers to foods that are spoiled or tainted because they either contain microorganisms, such as bacteria or parasites, or toxic substances that make them unfit for consumption.
Food contamination is a serious issue because it results in foodborne diseases. Hence, awareness of potential sources of food contamination is an important component of good nutrition.
Food contamination refers to the presence in food of harmful chemicals and microorganisms which can cause consumer illness.
Food gets contaminated after a certain period of time because bacteria start growing in it. Food contains certain preservatives like salts and other chemicals. However, they do not last long and so if food is not frozen or heated up, bacteria will grow and take up nutrients it needs from food. Putting food in the fridge will only pause the replication of bacteria but will not kill them. They must be frozen or heated up. bacteria is everywhere, some might not cause an infection, some will.
How does food get contaminated?
Food contamination can be microbial or environmental, with the former being more common. Environmental contaminants that can enter the food supply chain include pesticides, heavy metals, and other chemical agents. Many opportunities exist for food to become contaminated as it is produced and distributed. To start with, bacteria are present in the animals raised for food. Meat and poultry can become contaminated during slaughter through cross-contamination from intestinal fecal matter. Similarly, fresh fruits and vegetables can be contaminated if they are washed using water contaminated with animal manure or human sewage. During food processing, contamination is also possible from infected food handlers. Lastly, poor hygiene in the home is also a factor.
Prevention of food contamination
• As with any meal, always wash your hands first.
• Prepare your child's lunch on a clean surface using clean utensils.
• Wash fruits and