ABSTRACT
There is increasing scientific evidence to suggest that certain dietary components can be
used as a preventive tool against a number of health disorders. Conversely, other dietary
components, such as toxins present in the food supply, can be a cause of health concern. In
the industrialized countries up to 10% of the population may suffer from foodborne dis-
eases annually. The risk of foodborne disease is substantially heightened by biological
and chemical contamination in areas where food is produced, processed, and consumed.
Population growth and unplanned migration from rural areas results in urban slums,
which further increase pollution and consequently the incidence of foodborne diseases.
