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PROCESS OF FOOD SPOILAGE The spoilage of food can be caused at any stage of its production, such as prepara- tion, preservation, storage, or even consumption. If the food becomes adulterated or contaminated for any reason, it should not be consumed. However, most causes of food spoilage are controllable if the right measures are taken at the right stage. This damage is usually caused by neglect in handling.

CAUSES OF FOOD SPOILAGE

There are three main reasons food can get spoiled: biological hazards, chemical hazards,

and physical hazards. These hazards can render food unsafe or affect its quality, thereby making it unfit for consumption. Some

of the reasons behind food spoilage are visible, like bad containers for storage, or poor transportation. However, some of these reasons are not visible, such as microorganisms, or chemical reactions.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Ready-to-cook food may not be completely free of bacteria since it is not always cooked at temperatures high enough or long enough to kill the bacteria. • Food cooked in damaged aluminum pans can be harmful to the health of consumers.

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