+1 (202) 780-3397Brief Report - Journal of Food Microbiology (2023) Volume 7, Issue 3
The invisible threat and understanding food contamination and its impact on health.
Andres Wafula*
Department of Dairy and Food Science and Technology, Egerton University, Egerton-Njoro, Kenya.
- *Corresponding Author:
- Andres Wafula
Department of Dairy and Food Science and Technology
Egerton University
Egerton-Njoro, Kenya
E-mail:Andres.w@gmail.com
Received: 24-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. AAFMY-23-98222; Editor assigned: 27-Apr-2023, PreQC No. AAFMY-23-98222(PQ); Reviewed: 11-May-2023, QC No. AAFMY-23-98222; Revised: 15-May-2023, Manuscript No. AAFMY-23-98222(R); Published: 22-May-2023, DOI: 10.35841/aafmy-7.3.146
Citation: Wafula A. The invisible threat and understanding food contamination and its impact on health. J Food Microbiol. 2023;7(3):146
Introduction
Food is a basic necessity of life, and it is essential that the food we eat is safe and free from contamination. Unfortunately, food contamination remains a significant public health concern that affects millions of people worldwide each year. Contaminated food can cause serious illness, and in some cases, even death. In this article, we will discuss the different types of food contamination, their sources, and their impact on health [1].
Types of food contamination
There are several types of food contamination, including biological, chemical, and physical. Biological contamination refers to the presence of harmful microorganisms in food, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These microorganisms can cause foodborne illness, which can range from mild to severe symptoms [2].
Chemical contamination occurs when food is contaminated with harmful chemicals, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxic substances. Exposure to these chemicals can cause acute or chronic health effects, depending on texposure [3].
Sources of food contamination
Food contamination can occur at any stage of food production, processing, and preparation. The most common sources of contamination include:
? Poor sanitation and hygiene practices, such as inadequate hand washing and cleaning of equipment and surfaces.
? Improper handling and storage of food, which can lead to cross-contamination.
? Contamination from pests, such as rodents and insects.
? Use of contaminated water during irrigation, washing, and processing of food.
? Contamination from environmental factors, such as air and soil pollution.
? Use of unsafe food additives, such as colorings and preservatives.
Impact on health
The impact of food contamination on health can range from mild to severe symptoms, depending on the type and amount of contaminant ingested. Common symptoms of foodborne illness include diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever. In severe cases, food contamination can lead to dehydration, organ failure, and death [4].
Chemical contamination can cause a range of health effects, depending on the type of chemical and the level of exposure. For example, exposure to heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, can cause neurological and developmental problems, especially in children. Prolonged exposure to pesticides can increase the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases [5].
Prevention of food contamination
Preventing food contamination requires a multi-faceted approach that involves the cooperation of everyone involved in the food supply chain, from farmers to consumers. The following are some of the measures that can be taken to prevent food contamination:
? Adopting good hygiene practices, such as washing hands and surfaces frequently.
? Proper handling and storage of food to prevent cross-contamination.
? Use of safe and clean water during food production and processing.
? Regular monitoring of food production and processing to detect and prevent contamination.
? Use of safe food additives and preservatives.
? Proper disposal of waste and other materials that can attract pests and contribute to contamination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, food contamination is an invisible threat that can have serious consequences for public health. It is essential to understand the different types of contamination, their sources, and their impact on health to take necessary precautions to prevent it. By adopting good hygiene practices, proper handling and storage of food, and regular monitoring, we can ensure that the food we eat is safe and free from contamination. However, there is still a long way to go in ensuring that all food is safe for consumption. It is important to continue to raise awareness about the risks of food contamination and the measures that can be taken to prevent it.
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