What does the language used in this passage reveal about its purpose? We live in a microbial world, and there are many opportunities for food to become contaminated as it is produced and prepared. Many food-borne microbes are present in healthy animals (usually in their intestines) raised for food. Meat and poultry carcasses can become contaminated during slaughter by contact with small amounts of intestinal contents. Similarly, fresh fruits and vegetables can be contaminated if they are washed or irrigated with water that is contaminated with animal manure or human sewage.