Question

*Write the reasons behind the spoilage of food items

Answer 1

Food poisoning can be caused by the following three factors

1. Bacteria: Bacteria is the major cause of food poisoning. Salmonella is the major cause of food poisoning in the US. Campylobacter and Clostridium botulinum are the other two lethal causes of food poisoning.
2. Viruses: The viruses responsible for food poisoning include norovirus, sapovirus, rotavirus, and astrovirus. Food poisoning through viruses is less common but proves to be fatal. Hepatitis A virus is a serious condition transmitted through food.
3. Parasites: Food poisoning through parasites is very rare. Toxoplasma, a common cause of food poisoning, can be found in cat litter boxes.
4. Food can also be contaminated during the growing, harvesting, and storage steps. The harmful organisms transfer from one surface to the other and result in food contamination. The raw, ready-to-cook food products are more at risk. Since these food items are not cooked, therefore the pathogens are not destroyed resulting in food poisoning.