When Does Contamination Occur?

Contamination can occur at any point along the chain—during production, processing, distribution, or preparation.

What is contamination and when can it occur?

Contamination may occur from preparing food on a surface that still has chemical residue on it or if someone sprays cleaning chemicals close to uncovered food. Additionally, food can become contaminated from chemicals before it even reaches the kitchen.

How does contamination take place?

Biological contamination is when bacteria or other harmful microorganisms contaminate food; it is a common cause of food poisoning and food spoilage. Food poisoning can happen when disease-causing bacteria or other germs, also called 'pathogens', spread to food and are consumed.