Food contamination refers to the introduction of harmful substances into food. This can occur at any point during food production, storage, or preparation. Food contamination can cause foodborne illnesses, which can range from mild to severe and even life-threatening. Foodborne illnesses are a major public health concern worldwide. An estimated 48 million people in the United States get sick from foodborne illnesses each year, and approximately 3,000 die. The most common symptoms of foodborne illnesses include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. In some cases, foodborne illnesses can lead to serious complications, such as kidney failure, liver damage, and even death. There are a number of things that can be done to prevent food contamination. These include: – Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling food – Cleaning and sanitizing food contact surfaces – Cooking food to the proper temperature – Storing food at the proper temperature – Avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods
1. Clean
Washing your hands, fruits, vegetables, and surfaces that come into contact with food is an important part of preventing food contamination. Food contamination can occur when harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites are introduced into food. This can happen at any point during food production, storage, or preparation. Even if food looks and smells fine, it can still be contaminated with harmful bacteria.
