Food Contamination: A Primer

Abstract

Food is regarded as hygienic and safe for consumption when it does not pose any threat or risk to the health and economy such as sales loss. Food contamination occurs when bacteria or other germs get into food, which can cause food-borne illness. While most food contaminations are accidental, there has been some evidence of intentional food contamination. A major accident in food contamination can cost a company a massive recall that may be devastating to its reputation and profit because it has serious consequences for the health and wellbeing of people and the planet. This paper aims at providing a primer on food contamination, its causes, and prevention.