1. Cereals and cereal products can be contaminated with bacteria and molds from various sources like the exterior of harvested grains, the environment, and processing equipment.
2. Microbial spoilage of cereals is influenced by moisture level, temperature, and physical damage. Common spoilage microorganisms include molds, yeasts, and bacteria that can produce mycotoxins or cause odors and sourness.
3. Preservation methods to prevent cereal spoilage involve proper storage temperatures, cleaning practices, chemical preservatives, irradiation, and controlling moisture levels. Specific spoilage issues include moldiness, ropiness, and chalky or red discoloration of bread.