- Soil: Soil is a major source of microbes in food, as it contains a wide variety of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. These microbes can be transferred to food through the handling of raw ingredients, such as fruits and vegetables, or through the use of contaminated soil as a fertilizer.
- Water: Water can also be a source of microbes in food, as it can contain a variety of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. These microbes can be transferred to food through the use of contaminated water for irrigation, cooking, or washing.
- Animals: Animals can be a source of microbes in food, as they can carry a variety of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms on their bodies or in their digestive tracts. These microbes can be transferred to food through the handling of raw animal products, such as meat, poultry, and eggs.
- Humans: Humans can also be a source of microbes in food, as they can carry a variety of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms on their hands or in their saliva. These microbes can be transferred to food through the handling of food, or through the coughing or sneezing of an infected person.
- Equipment: Food equipment can also be a source of microbes in food, as it can harbor a variety of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. These microbes can be transferred to food through the use of contaminated equipment, such as cutting boards, knives, and pots and pans.