Food and Micro-organisms

Microorganisms are tiny living things that are present all around us, in the air and water. We cannot see them with our eyes because they are very small. Microorganisms grow rapidly when they have:

• Air
• Moisture (water)
• Warmth

These conditions are often found where food is kept, which makes it easier for them to grow in our food. When microorganisms grow in our food, they spoil it. Even though we cannot see them, spoilt food can look and smell bad. Eating food with microorganisms can cause problems like:

• Stomachache
• Diarrhea (loose motions)
• Vomiting

The nutritional value (health benefits) of spoilt food is reduced. Sometimes, eating spoilt food can be so dangerous that it could even threaten life.