food decomposition
nounUK /fuːd ˌdiːkɒmpəˈzɪʃən/
US /fuːd ˌdiːkɑːmpəˈzɪʃən/
Food decomposition is when food breaks down and rots over time.
The food decomposition in the old lunchbox made a bad smell.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The process by which microorganisms break food into simpler substances.
Scientists studied food decomposition to learn how nutrients return to the soil.
3. The natural breakdown of discarded food in a landfill.
Food decomposition in landfills can release methane gas.
4. The stage when food becomes unsafe to eat because it has broken down.
After several days, food decomposition made the leftovers unsafe.