मराठी
Maharashtra State BoardSSC (English Medium) 7th Standard

Spoilage of Food

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Topics

  • Causes and Prevention of Food Spoilage
  • Effects of Storing Food Improperly

Causes and Prevention of Food Spoilage

Food spoilage means the food becomes unsafe to eat due to changes in its appearance, smell, or taste. Spoiled food can cause illness if consumed.

Main causes of spoilage include:

  • Heat and moisture
  • Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi
  • Insects and animals like ants, rats, and cockroaches

Prevention methods:

  • Store food in cool places or refrigerators
  • Dry grains, onions, and potatoes before storage
  • Boil milk or curries to keep them fresh for longer
  • Keep food covered and away from pests

Effects of Storing Food Improperly

When food like chapati is left in a closed box, fungus may grow on it. This appears as white, black, or greenish cotton-like fibres and produces a bad smell.

Favourable conditions for fungus to grow:

  • Presence of food
  • Moisture from the air
  • Warmth inside the box
  • Air (oxygen)

These conditions allow fungal spores (tiny seeds in the air) to grow rapidly. In contrast, a crispy or refrigerated chapati stays fresh longer and does not spoil quickly.

Fungus as seen through a microscope

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