Final answer:
Unsafe food is primarily caused by poor hygiene, cross-contamination, failure of temperature control, and chemical contamination. Good food safety practices can help prevent these issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factors Influencing Unsafe Food
The four main factors that contribute to the unsafety of food include:
- Poor hygiene: The lack of regular handwashing and sanitary practices can introduce pathogens to food.
- Cross-contamination: This occurs when harmful bacteria or viruses are transferred from one food item to another, especially from raw to cooked or ready-to-eat foods.
- Temperature control failure: Not maintaining food at safe temperatures can lead to the growth of bacteria. Foods need to be cooked, stored, and reheated properly.
- Chemical contamination: This includes contamination from agrochemicals used in farming, such as pesticides, or environmental contaminants like lead.
Strong emphasis on appropriate food safety practices such as proper cooking, storage, and regular handwashing can significantly reduce the risks associated with these factors.