It is important foundation of sanitary practices for the future. Sanitation pertains to both the cleanliness and wholesomeness of the food. It is important that sanitary practices are used at each stage of food production and processing. There are a number of different places where poor sanitation can be critical for food poisoning. The food may transmit pathogenic germs are passed from person to person through soiled objects such as money, doorknobs, railings, common drinking cups and the like.
Food serves as a mere vehicle of disease transmission.
Transmission of animal pathogens to humans by way of food is also possible. The offending food contains, in general, high numbers of bacteria that are capable of producing the gastroenteritis suffered by the victim. Other pathogens do not act until swallowed, where upon they cause an infection of the gastrointestinal tract. The offending food contains poisonous chemicals, or the food is poisonous plant or animal. Examples would be tuna and mercury, apple and alar, cranberry and unpasteurized fruit juices.