Question

Explain the following briefly:

What causes food spoilage and renders it unfit for human consumption?

Answer 1

• Food spoilage occurs due to physical, chemical, and biological changes that affect the quality and safety of food. The major cause of spoilage is the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and moulds, which break down food and cause changes in its colour, taste, smell, and texture.
• Food spoilage may also occur due to the action of enzymes naturally present in food and oxidation caused by exposure to air, moisture, light, and improper storage conditions. These changes reduce the nutritional value of food and may produce harmful substances, making the food unsafe and unfit for human consumption.