ABSTRACT
Food serves as an interacting medium between various living species because it is a source of nutrients for humans, animals as well as microorganisms. Human and animal food is basically derived from plant and animal sources. Food fit for human consumption is also a medium for the growth and activity of microorganisms. Pathogenic microorganisms grow in the food utilising the nutrients in the food and produce toxins which are detrimental to the health of the consumer when such food is consumed. Microorganisms are capable of spoiling food and causing diseases. The microorganisms which are of importance in food microbiology include bacteria, yeasts and molds. The primary source of microorganisms associated with food is the environment with which the species are associated. Bacteria that play significant roles in foods are often grouped on the basis of their activity in foods without regards to their systematic classification.
