Mia Primucci1 Lali Manfredi and Caro Peyru

Apuntes

Mia Primucci, Lali Manfredi and Caro Peyru Food Contamination Contamination → Food contamination happens when unwanted substances (contaminants) get into food, making it unsafe to eat. Types of Contaminants: ● Microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) ● Physical contaminants: hair, nails, nail varnish, jewelry, skin infections, cuts ● Bodily fluids: mucus, saliva (from sneezing, coughing, etc.) ● Dirt and dust ● Dirty water ● Chemicals: cleaning products, pesticides ● Pets and pests: flies, rats, mice, birds, etc. ● Foreign objects: pieces of glass, metal, plastic Cross-contamination means allowing microorganisms to transfer from one food (usually raw) to another food either by: 1. direct contact: between the two foods (two foods touching) 2. drips: from a raw food falling on to another food (from food placed on a shelf in the refrigerator and drips onto foods below) 3. indirect contact: where the microorganisms have been transferred by the hands, a dishcloth or a piece of equipment that has been used for both foods (like chopping boards). Reducing and Avoiding Food Contamination It is possible to avoid food contamination when preparing food in the kitchen at home by following some simple ru...