Food Spoilage

Abstract

Spoilage of food involves any change which renders food unacceptable for human consumption and may result from a variety of causes. It is often difficult to decide when a food is actually spoiled since views differ on what is and is not acceptable and fit or unfit to eat. These differences of opinion are particularly evident when viewed on a worldwide basis as can be illustrated by the following well-known example. The British prefer game meat to be `hung' for several days to allow organoleptic changes to take place which encourage the development of a `strong' flavour. Whilst the British consider such flavoured meat to be a delicacy other nationalities, including Americans, regard it as spoiled and unacceptable.