Causes of Food Deterioration & Spoilage

Question 1

What are the 3 causes of food deterioration and spoilage?
*hint acronym mee!

Answer 1

M- Microbial contamination (mould, yeast and bacteria)

E- Environmental Factors (infestation, oxygen, light and water)

E- Enzymatic Activity- (CHEMICAL REACTIONS IN FOOD!)

Question 2

What is microbial contamination?

Answer 2

-Unintentional introduction of foods– that relate to microbial agents – e.g, bacteria, viruses etc.

-Can occur when food products are harvested, processed and handed.

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Question 3

What are environmental factors?

Answer 3

*Think it is external to the source (food product)

e.g– infestation, oxygen, light & water can speed up enzymatic and microbial activity.

Question 4

What is enzymatic activity?

Answer 4

-They are chemical reactions in food.

-Can either speed up or slow down chemical reactions in food.

-Could result in a loss of flavour, colour or texture.