Define Biological Hazards
Among the biological hazards the major concern is from microorganisms. Few of the microbiological hazards. Biological hazards, , include bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic organisms (protozoa and worms) and/or their toxins. There are many microorganisms, which are pathogenic to humans, but relatively few are associated with foods.These microorganisms that cause diseases are termed as food-borne pathogens'. There are three types of food-borne disease from microbial pathogens infections, intoxications and toxic.
Infections are result from the ingestion of live pathogenic organisms which multiply within thy body and produce disease. While intoxications occur when toxins produced by pathogens are ingested. You must remember that intoxications can occur even if no viable microorganisms are ingested. Can you suggest how this is possible? Well, this often occurs when foods are stored under conditions which allow the pathogens to grow and produce toxin. It is interesting to note that subsequent processing of food may destroy the microorganisms but not the toxin.