Tag: Fit for human consumption

According to Merriam-Webster, a word dating back to the 16th century, the term "edible" simply means safe to eat, without regard to taste or palatability. This reveals a critical nuance: does edible mean fit to be eaten? Not necessarily, as many factors beyond basic toxicity influence whether a food is truly desirable and safe for consumption.

An estimated 600 million people worldwide fall ill each year from eating contaminated food. This staggering statistic highlights the critical importance of ensuring food meets the benchmark of being fit for human consumption, a term that goes far beyond simply being edible.