What is food spoilage?

Food spoilage refers to the process that leads to food becoming unfit for consumption. This deterioration can occur due to various factors, including the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast, as well as chemical reactions and enzymatic activity. When food spoils, it may develop off-odors, changes in texture, or discoloration, which can make it unsafe or undesirable to eat. Understanding food spoilage is crucial for food safety, as consuming spoiled food can lead to foodborne illnesses.

The other options present different concepts that are not related to spoilage. For instance, cooking food at high temperatures is a method used to kill pathogens or enhance flavors, rather than a definition of spoilage. The time it takes for food to cook describes cooking processes, which is entirely separate from the idea of food becoming unfit for consumption. Freezing food is a preservation technique that can actually help prevent spoilage instead of causing it. Thus, while the other choices touch on food preparation and preservation, they do not accurately describe the phenomenon of food spoilage itself.