What is food spoilage?
Food spoilage is when food goes bad and is no longer safe to eat. Spoiled food may smell bad, change colour, feel slimy or grow mould. Tiny living things called microorganisms make food spoil.
Key idea
Food spoils because microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi grow on it and break it down.
What makes food spoil faster?
Microorganisms grow best when it is warm and wet. Food left in a hot kitchen spoils quickly, while food in a cold fridge stays fresh longer. Moisture and air also help microorganisms grow.
- Warmth speeds up spoiling
- Moisture helps microorganisms grow
- Cold and dryness slow spoiling
Remember
- Microorganisms cause spoilage.
- Never eat food that smells bad or has mould.
- Keeping food cold and dry keeps it fresh.
Why does this matter?
Eating spoiled food can make us sick, with a sore tummy or worse. Learning why food spoils helps us store it safely and waste less food. When we buy only what we need and keep it cool and dry, our food stays fresh and safe for longer.