This document discusses the spoilage of fruits and vegetables. It identifies various causes of contamination during harvesting, transportation, and processing that can introduce microorganisms. These include mechanical damage, sweating, the use of wooden surfaces, and the inclusion of decayed materials. It also outlines different preservation methods for vegetables and fruits like asepsis, heat treatment, low temperatures, chilling, and the use of preservatives. Various types of microbial spoilage are described, caused by bacteria, molds, and fungi. These lead to rots, spots, and softening. Similar spoilage can occur in fruit and vegetable juices due to yeasts and other acid-tolerant microbes if not properly heat treated or frozen during can