Pilaantuneet

Pilaantuneet is a Finnish past participle adjective derived from the verb pilaantua, meaning to spoil or go bad. It is used to describe substances that have deteriorated due to microbial growth, chemical changes, or other processes, most commonly foods and other perishable items that are no longer safe to consume.

In everyday language the term appears in phrases such as pilaantuneet elintarvikkeet (spoiled foods) or pilaantuneet vihannekset (spoiled vegetables). The form pilaantuneet is used with plural nouns; singular usage is pilaantunut. The word signals a state resulting from spoilage rather than a value judgment about the item as a whole.

Etymology and usage: Pilaantuneet is formed from the verb pilaantua with a past participle suffix and is frequent in contexts related to food safety, labeling, and consumer advice. It can also describe spoiled non-food materials, such as pilaantuneet kemikaalit (spoiled chemicals), though more common contexts emphasize spoilage that affects usability or safety.

Causes and prevention: Spoilage arises from factors like temperature abuse, humidity, air exposure, microbial growth, and chemical reactions. Prevention relies on proper storage, temperature control, hygienic handling, timely consumption, and adherence to use-by or best-before dates.

See also: pilaantuminen, elintarviketurvallisuus, ruokahygienia.