Which term best describes the unintentional introduction of microorganisms into food, leading to its spoilage or potential harm to consumers?

• A. Sterilization
• B. Pasteurization
• C. Fermentation
• D. Contamination

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the meaning of each term provided in the options: Sterilization, Pasteurization, Fermentation, and Contamination.
2. Sterilization refers to the process of completely eliminating all forms of microbial life from a surface or substance, including food.
3. Pasteurization is a controlled heating process aimed at reducing the number of pathogenic microorganisms in food, not introducing them.
4. Fermentation is a metabolic process where microorganisms like bacteria or yeast convert sugars into other products, often used intentionally in food production.
5. Contamination is the unintentional introduction of microorganisms into food, which can lead to spoilage or potential harm to consumers, making it the best term to describe the scenario in the question.