Food Preservation and Storage

Food Preservation Storage

Lesson 02: Food Spoilage

Factors Affecting food Spoilage

The types of spoilage of a particular food item depend to a great extent on the following:

• The composition of food:
  The composition of food influences its susceptibility to spoilage. For example- presence of proteins and carbohydrates especially sugars are preferred by microorganisms for energy source. Very few utilize fat for energy production.
• Structure of the food item:
  Whole healthy tissues of food from inside are sterile or low in microbial content. Skin, rind or shell on food works as its protective covering from spoilage microorganisms.
• Types of microorganisms involved:
  The types of microorganisms present in food depend on its composition of food.
• Conditions of storage of the food:
  Conditions of storage of food affect the growth of microorganisms. Even if the proper storage of food is done, the food loses its freshness and nutritive value if it is stored for too long.