Final answer:
Contamination in food refers to the unintentional inclusion of harmful substances or organisms, which can occur at multiple stages from production to consumption, and requires strict safety practices to prevent.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contamination refers to the unintended presence of harmful substances or microorganisms in food. This can occur through various means such as the environment in which food is grown, harvested, transported, and stored, or through the process of food preparation, including improper handling, cross-contamination, and failure of temperature control. Harmful chemicals, such as agrochemicals and environmental contaminants, can enter food products, as well as disease-causing microbes like Salmonella, Norovirus, and other pathogens responsible for foodborne illnesses. It is important to adhere to food safety practices like regular handwashing and proper temperature control to minimize the risk of food contamination.