Question

The undesirable change in a food that makes it unsafe for human consumption is referred to as
A. Food decay
B. Food spoilage
C. Food loss
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Some food becomes harmful and unsuitable for human consumption which is left for a long time in unpreserved conditions. It happens because of the bacteria and fungus. These organisms deteriorate the food if it is left open for a long time in open places or uncleaned places mostly.

Complete step by step answer: Spoilage of food involves many changes that render food unacceptable for human consumption. Food spoilage is caused by many factors like insects damaging the food, physical contamination like freezing, drying, burning, etc. Food spoilage can also be caused by chemical changes, i.e. the growth and activity of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and mould can cause food spoilage. Food unfit for consumption may not necessarily be spoiled. For example, in uncooked food, autolysis may take place and the food is decomposed by self-enzymes. To preserve the food, a number of food preservatives were added which sometimes leads to food decaying and some chemicals in preservatives act as or trigger enzymes in the food. Different bacteria target different types of food. For example Clostridium botulinum targets foods such as meat and poultry, and Bacillus cereus, which targets milk and cream.

Note: Microorganisms are commonly present in foods. Signs of food spoilage include an appearance different from the fresh food, such as a change in colour, a change in texture, an unpleasant odour or taste. Various methods can be employed to preserve food spoilage such as boiling, freezing, salting, sweetening, caning, etc.