Introduction to Micro-organisms

Introduction to Micro-organisms

Micro-organisms include bacteria, viruses, moulds and yeasts and are single-cell living organisms which are invisible to the naked eye, millions can fit onto a pin head.

The main sources of the micro-organisms that can get on our food are humans, raw foods, soil, water and pests, such as flies, rats and mice.

Our main concern is bacteria, but not all bacteria are harmful; there are 4 basic types:

1. HARMLESS - most bacteria have no effect on humans.

2. GOOD bacteria are beneficial to us, for example they help us produce certain foods such as yoghurt and cheese. They are also essential to our digestive system to help us break down food and access the nutrients in the food we eat.

3. BAD bacteria cause food poisoning in humans these are known as Pathogens - They are not found naturally on fresh fish, but are found on raw foods such as meat and vegetables, They are also carried by pests, air and water. Pathogens cause the vast majority of food poisoning in the UK.

4. UGLY bacteria, spoilage bacteria, cause food to go off, this is called Spoilage, most food spoilage bacteria will not give people food poisoning but will make cause foods to look, taste or smell off.