The spoiling of food is a:

Options

A. physical change
B. chemical change
C. Both (A) and (B)
D. None of these

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Food Spoilage**: Food spoilage occurs when food becomes unsuitable for consumption. This can happen due to various factors, including the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and yeasts.

2. **Identifying the Types of Changes**: There are two main types of changes that can occur in food:
- **Physical Change**: This involves changes in the physical properties of food without altering its chemical composition. Examples include cutting, grinding, or changes in state (like freezing).
- **Chemical Change**: This involves changes that alter the chemical composition of food. For example, when microorganisms break down food, they can produce new substances, leading to spoilage.

3. **Role of Microorganisms**: Microorganisms play a crucial role in food spoilage. They can metabolize the nutrients in food, leading to the production of gases, acids, and other compounds that change the food's taste, smell, and safety.

4. **Conclusion**: Since the spoiling of food primarily involves the action of microorganisms that lead to chemical changes in the food, the correct answer to the question is that the spoiling of food is a **chemical change**.

**Final Answer**: The spoiling of food is a **chemical change**.

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