Which condition might high-protein foods be susceptible to if not handled safely?

High-protein foods are particularly perishable due to their natural composition, which provides an ideal environment for the growth of pathogens if not handled properly. When these foods are kept at improper temperatures, exposed to contaminants, or not stored correctly, they can spoil rapidly. Factors such as moisture content and nutrient availability in high-protein foods can accelerate bacterial growth, leading to spoilage that can compromise both food safety and quality.

Understanding that rapid spoilage can occur with high-protein foods underscores the importance of proper refrigeration, cooking, and storage practices to ensure food safety and prevent foodborne illnesses. The other options, while they may relate to high-protein foods in various ways, do not directly highlight the immediate risk of spoilage associated with unsafe handling practices as clearly as rapid spoilage does.