Food packagingFood packaging is a packaging system specifically designed for food and represents one of the most important aspects among the processes involved in the food industry, as it provides protection from chemical, biological and physical alterations. The main goal of food packaging is to provide a practical means of protecting and delivering food goods at a reasonable cost while meeting the needs and expectations of both consumers and industries.
Intoxication alimentaireUne intoxication alimentaire est une maladie, souvent infectieuse et accidentelle, contractée à la suite de l'ingestion de nourriture ou de boisson contaminées. Si cette contamination est due à des agents pathogènes infectieux, qu’il s’agisse de bactéries, virus, parasites ou de prions, on parle aussi de toxi-infection alimentaire. Pour les maladies d’origine alimentaire provoquées par l’ingestion de produits non comestibles ou toxiques (toxines des agents infectieux, médicaments, métaux lourds, champignons vénéneux, composés chimiques ou autres poisons), on parle seulement d’intoxication alimentaire.
Food contaminantThe presence of harmful chemicals in food can cause its chemical contamination, potentially causing consumer illness. The impact of chemical contaminants on consumer health and well-being is often apparent only after many years of processing and prolonged exposure at low levels (e.g., cancer). Unlike food-borne pathogens, chemical contaminants present in foods are often unaffected by thermal processing. Chemical contaminants can be classified according to the source of contamination and the mechanism by which they enter the food product.
