Food Microbiology, Feed Supplements And Biological Growth Promoters

Food-borne infections are caused by bacteria present in food. If bacteria become numerous and the food is consumed, bacteria may continue to grow in intestines and cause illness. Salmonella, Campylobacter, hemorrhagic E. coli and Listeria all cause infections. Food intoxication results from consumption of toxins (or poisons) produced in food by bacterial growth. Toxins released by bacteria cause illness in human beings. Common kinds of bacteria that produce toxins include Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium botulinum. In the case of Clostridium perfringens, illness is caused by toxins released in the gut after consumption of huge numbers of vegetative cells. Considerable efforts made in agricultural research and extension has resulted in increased crop yield resulting to increased food production.