Causes of Food contamination
Food-borne illness usually arises from improper handling, preparation or storage of food. Food contamination sources include unclean hands, polluted water, flies, pests, inadequately cleaned utensils and an unsanitary environment. Cross-contamination during food preparation (contact between raw and cooked foods) is also responsible for food-borne illnesses.
In many countries, bacterial food-borne infections are the commonest cause of intestinal disease. Salmonella and Campylobacter spp. account for over 90% of all reported cases of bacteria-related food poisoning worldwide.1 The poisoning is caused by toxins released by the microorganisms. These toxins cause inflammation of the stomach and intestines causing the typical gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.
Among the viruses, the norovirus and hepatitis A virus are the most important food-borne pathogens with regard to the number of outbreaks and people affected in the Western world.2 In addition to bacteria and viruses, pesticide, chemicals, heavy metals, parasite and fungi are some of the other contaminants.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: September 19,2009