Question 1: Define food spoilage and explain how it can affect food safety.

Answer: Food spoilage is the process where food develops undesirable qualities such as bad smell, appearance, or texture, making it unsafe or unpleasant to eat. Spoiled food can contain harmful bacteria, which may cause food poisoning.

Question 2: List three common signs that indicate food has spoiled.

Answer: Changes in smell (off or foul odour), appearance (mould or discolouration), and texture (slimy or mushy surface).

Question 3: Identify two factors that can accelerate the spoilage of perishable foods.

Answer: High temperatures and exposure to air (oxygen).

Question 4: Describe the role of refrigeration in preventing food spoilage.

Answer: Refrigeration slows down the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and moulds, thereby extending the shelf life of perishable foods and preventing spoilage.

Question 5: Explain why it is important to store raw meats separately from cooked foods.

Answer: To prevent cross-contamination, as raw meats may contain harmful bacteria that can transfer to cooked foods and cause foodborne illnesses.

Question 6: Write a brief safety guideline for checking if a dairy product, such as milk, has spoiled.

Answer: Check for an off smell, sour taste, and changes in appearance such as curdling or discoloration.

Question 7: Draw a labelled diagram of a food storage area that includes three different storage conditions suitable for various food types. Include a space for labels.

Answer: The diagram should show three sections: a refrigerator compartment (for dairy, cooked foods), a freezer (for meats, frozen vegetables), and a pantry or cool cupboard (for dry goods). Each section should be labelled accordingly.

Question 8: Sketch a food label indicating the key information that should be checked to determine if a canned food is safe to eat.

Answer: The sketch should include labels for 'Use by date,' 'No bulging or rust,' and 'Intact seal.' The food label should be clear and legible.

Question 9: Describe the process of how bacteria cause food to spoil.

Answer: Bacteria reproduce rapidly in food, breaking down the food's nutrients and producing waste gases and acids, which cause changes in smell, taste, and appearance, leading to spoilage.

Question 10: Explain why it is unsafe to taste food to check if it is spoiled.

Answer: Tasting spoiled food can introduce harmful bacteria into the mouth and body, risking food poisoning or illness.