Food contamination refers to the presence of harmful substances, microorganisms, or impurities in food that can cause illness or adverse health effects when consumed. It can occur through various means, including biological contamination by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites; chemical contamination from pesticides, additives, or harmful substances; and physical contamination from foreign objects like glass or metal fragments. Food contamination can occur at any stage of the food supply chain, including production, processing, distribution, and preparation. Preventing food contamination is crucial for food safety and public health, requiring proper hygiene practices, safe handling, cooking, and storage methods.
The recall of carp and swordfish from European markets underscores a critical issue of food contamination. High levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate, a pollutant commonly found in industrial products, have been…