1 of 7

Food Contamination Awareness: Detection of Microbes in Food, Water Quality Assessment and Development of Biodegradable Polymers for Active Packaging

Sreya P V: Enrolment No: 10BB23J05001

Manjubashni D: Enrolment No: 10CC22A05011

Aditi De: Enrolment No: 10CC23A05006

Manivannan M: Enrolment No: 10CC22A05010

Akshai Gopi: Enrolment No: 10CC23J05022

CSIR- Central Electro Chemical Research Institute, KARAIKUDI

AcSIR Societal Programme, 2023

Submitted by :

2 of 7

Importance of food contamination awareness

Estimates suggest that India experiences approximately 100 million cases of foodborne diseases each year, resulting in an average of 120,000 deaths.

Understanding food contamination helps to reduce the risk of infections caused by harmful microbes like bacteria, viruses, and fungi, ensuring better public health.

Identifying contamination early helps prevent unnecessary food disposal and promotes responsible consumption, reducing environmental impact.

Awareness drives the demand for biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging solutions, decreasing plastic waste and pollution.

3 of 7

Uses of detecting microbes in food

Prevention of Foodborne Illnesses
Quality Control in Food Production
Extension of Shelf Life
Improved Consumer Confidence
Reduction of Food Waste
Enhancement of Hygiene Practices
Detection of Waterborne Contaminants
Support for Food Research and Innovation
Control of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

4 of 7

How to prevent food contamination?

Maintain Hygiene – Wash hands, utensils, and kitchen surfaces regularly to prevent bacterial contamination.

Proper Storage – Keep raw and cooked foods separate and store perishable items at safe temperatures.

Cook Food Thoroughly – Ensure food is cooked to the right temperature to kill harmful microbes.

Avoid Cross-Contamination – Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked food.

Use Clean Water – Always wash food and cook with safe, potable water to prevent contamination.

5 of 7

Our proposed work plan

Water quality assessment

a) Analysis of pH, Conductivity & TDS:

b) Analysis of Chloride Ion

c) Analysis of Calcium Ion

Food safety measures by effective packaging

2. Detection of Microbes in spoiled Food

a) Detecting microbes in

Sweet
fruit
meat
vegetables
Rice

a) Development of Biodegradable polymer based composites for extending the shelf life of packaged food materials.

Objectives

Eat Healthy

6 of 7

Expected Outcome of Proposed Work

Development of Biodegradable polymer based composites.
Extending the shelf life of packaged food materials.
Reduction in food spoiling.
Long term storage of food items