Food Microbiology

Track 4: Food Contamination

Food contamination involves Pathogenic (disease-causing organisms) contamination -- such as bacteria, viruses and parasites - can be on food that if not handled or cooked safely can cause illness. Toxins (poisons) produced by certain bacteria can cause food intoxication (poisoning). Food can also be contaminated (made impure) by chemicals such as pesticides (used in insect and rodent control in kitchens and to control agricultural infestation), certain cleaning compounds, and sometimes by use of improper containers (pots) for cooking or storing food. These chemicals when ingested in large amounts can cause serious foodborne illness. Galvanized containers should never be used for storage of foods

• Biological Contamination
• Physical Contamination
• Chemical Contamination