Final answer:
The main cause of food contamination is improper handling, preparation, or storage of food, which leads to the presence of harmful chemicals and microorganisms in the food. The main ways food becomes contaminated are through poor hygiene, cross-contamination, and failure of temperature control.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main cause of food contamination is improper handling, preparation, or storage of food, which leads to the presence of harmful chemicals and microorganisms in the food. The main ways food becomes contaminated are through poor hygiene, cross-contamination, and failure of temperature control. Poor hygiene practices, such as handling or preparing foods with unwashed hands, can contaminate food with bacteria or viruses. Cross-contamination occurs when microbes are transferred from one food to another, especially from raw foods to ready-to-eat foods. Failure to maintain the correct temperature in storage can allow bacteria to multiply and cause food spoilage.