Contamination and Adulteration
This section focuses on defining and understanding contamination and adulteration in food. Contamination refers to the presence of harmful foreign substances such as chemicals or microorganisms in food, which may occur during any stage of processing or storage. Adulteration, on the other hand, is the deliberate reduction in quality through the addition of inferior substances or extraction of valuable components, compromising food safety.
Food contamination can be classified into:
1. Physical hazards - Physical objects not normally found in food, such as stones or hair.
2. Chemical hazards - Harmful substances like pesticides and additives that may intentionally or unintentionally come into contact with food.
3. Biological hazards - Pathogenic microorganisms that can cause food-borne illnesses.
Both contamination and adulteration pose significant risks to public health and safety, leading to illnesses and economic damage. Thus, adherence to food safety standards and regulations is essential to ensure food quality and consumer protection.