Which term best describes the unwanted introduction of microorganisms into food items, potentially leading to spoilage or disease?

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

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the meaning of each term provided in the options: Fermentation, Sterilization, Pasteurization, and Contamination.
2. Fermentation is a metabolic process where microorganisms like bacteria or yeast convert sugars into alcohol or acids, often used intentionally in food production.
3. Sterilization is a process that eliminates all forms of microbial life, including spores, to make food or equipment completely free of microorganisms.
4. Pasteurization is a heat treatment process that reduces the number of pathogenic microorganisms in food, increasing safety and shelf life without complete sterilization.
5. Contamination refers to the unwanted introduction of microorganisms into food, which can cause spoilage or disease, making it the correct term for the problem described.