This document outlines the key principles of food preservation: 1) Preventing or delaying microbial decomposition by keeping microorganisms out through packaging and hygienic practices, removing microbes through filtration and washing, and hindering microbial growth through low temperatures, drying, maintaining anaerobic conditions, and using chemical preservatives. 2) Killing microorganisms using heat or irradiation. 3) Preventing self-decomposition of food by blanching to inactivate enzymes and preventing oxidation using antioxidants.