Ch. 2 - Forms of Contamination Flashcards
What are some natural sources of contamination? (4)
- Animals
- Air, water, dirt
- Naturally occurring in food (bones, pits, etc.)
- Pests
What is the “Fecal-Oral Route”?
A method of contamination where feces contaminates food or water that is then ingested
How can people pass on contaminants? (3)
- Person to person
- Vomiting & diarrhea
- Contact with dirty surfaces then food
What are the broad effects of pathogens? (2)
- Makes you sick
- Produces toxins that make you sick
What are pathogens?
Harmful microorganisms
What are the main categories of pathogens? (4)
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Parasites
- Fungi
What does “The Big 6” mean?
6 common, highly contagious pathogens that can cause severe illness
Name the Big 6
- Salmonella Typhi
- Nontyphoidal salmonella
- E. coli
- Shigella spp.
- Hepatitis A
- Norovirus
What are the most common symptoms of foodborne illness? (6)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Jaundice
What is jaundice?
Yellowing of the skin and/or eyes
Shigella spp.
Source, Risk Foods, Prevention
Source: Flies, feces
Risk Foods: Foods easily contaminated by hands
Prevention: Control flies, standard procedures
What does “onset time” mean? How long does it take?
- How quickly symptoms of foodborne illness appear in a person
- 30 mins - 6 weeks
Where can bacteria be found?
Almost everywhere, in and on our bodies
Why are bacteria difficult to detect?
They cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted
What conditions do bacteria need to grow?
- Food
- Acidity
- Temperature
- Time
- Oxygen
- Moisture
What pH range do bacteria grow best in?
4.7-7; slightly acidic
What is the most important way to prevent bacteria from causing foodborne illness?
Control time and temperature
What temperature range is known as “The Danger Zone”? (F&C)
- 41-135 F
- 5-57 C
What are the major bacteria? (4)
- Salmonella Typhi
- Nontyphoidal salmonella
- Shigella spp.
- E. coli
Where is Salmonella Typhi found?
Only in humans
What foods are linked with Salmonella Typhi? (2)
- Beverages
- RTE foods
How can you help prevent the spread of Salmonella Typhi? (2)
- Wash hands
- Cook food to minimum internal temperatures
Where is nontyphoidal Salmonella found?
Farm animals
What are some risk foods of nontyphoidal Salmonella? (4)
- Poultry/eggs
- Meat
- Milk/dairy
- Produce