Although food is indispensible to the maintenance of life, it can also be responsible for ill health. A simple insufficiency will lead to marasmus (protein-energy deficiency) while over-reliance on staples low in protein, such as cassava, produces the condition known as kwashiorkor. A diet may provide adequate protein and energy but be lacking in specific minerals or vitamins giving rise [...]
The following point highlight the four main chemical preservatives used for prevention of micro-organisms from foods. The preservatives are:- 1. Organic Acids and Esters 2. Nitrite 3. Sulfur Dioxide 4. 'Natural' Food Preservatives Chemical Preservative # 1. Organic Acids and Esters: The most important organic acids and esters that are used as food preservatives are listed in Table 4.12 along [...]
The following points highlight the three main types of bacterial food poisoning. The types are: 1. Ingestion of Pre-Formed Toxin 2. Non-Invasive Infection 3. Invasive Infection. Type # 1. Ingestion of Pre-Formed Toxin: Toxins may be produced in and ingested with the food as in Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning and the Bacillus cereus emetic syndrome. Botulism is similar in this respect [...]