Foodborne Illness Flashacards

Foodborne illness refers to illnesses caused by consuming contaminated food, not by a lack of food, direct contact with animals, or exposure to extreme temperatures.

A foodborne illness outbreak specifically refers to multiple people getting sick from the same source of food contamination, not just a single person's reaction, an isolated case, or an illness caused by water consumption.

The warranty of sale refers to rules and regulations regarding the proper handling of goods or products, ensuring their quality and safety. It does not guarantee the product will never break, nor is it the process of returning an item for a refund. It is also not a legal promise that the product is free from defects, although it may include such assurances.

Reasonable care defense refers to the legal defense used to demonstrate that all necessary steps were taken to ensure food safety, going above and beyond the minimum requirements.

Infants, preschool age children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems are at high risk for foodborne illness due to their weaker immune systems or developing bodies. Teenagers, athletes, and vegetarians are not considered high-risk populations for foodborne illness.

The correct answer highlights a common characteristic among various populations, while the incorrect answers provide alternative theories or concepts that do not align with the question. Each incorrect answer serves to distract or mislead the test-taker, making the correct answer more evident.

Contamination can lead to various hazards, including biological, chemical, and physical hazards. Environmental, radiological, and psychosocial hazards are not directly caused by contamination.

Foodborne illnesses are commonly caused by the factors mentioned in the correct answer, such as unsafe food sources, inadequate cooking, improper temperature control, contaminated equipment, and poor personal hygiene. The incorrect answers do not directly contribute to foodborne illnesses as outlined by the CDC.

Time-temperature abuse in food safety refers to improper handling of food that can lead to bacterial growth and foodborne illnesses. The correct ways of time-temperature abuse are not overcooking food, freezing at too high temperatures, or leaving food out at room temperature for too long.

Cross-contamination occurs when bacteria or other microorganisms are unintentionally transferred from one object to another. This can happen through direct contact or indirectly through contaminated surfaces or utensils.

Microorganisms are small, living organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists that cannot be seen with the naked eye and require a microscope for observation.

Pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms, not healthy bacteria, chemical compounds, or weather patterns.

Toxins are substances that are harmful to living organisms, typically referred to as poisons that can cause harm when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.

The correct answer includes bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi as the 4 types of microorganisms that can contaminate food. Protozoa, algae, and rickettsiae are not typically associated with food contamination.

Spoilage organisms are microorganisms that cause food to deteriorate or lose quality, often identifiable by changes in color, texture, or odor. Pathogens, on the other hand, are harmful microorganisms that can cause illness or disease, but may not always exhibit visible signs in contaminated food.

FAT TOM is an acronym representing the six favorable conditions required for the growth of pathogenic bacteria: Food, Acidity, Time, Temperature, Oxygen, and Moisture.

FAT TOM stands for Food, Acidity, Temperature, Time, Oxygen, and Moisture, which are critical factors for the growth of foodborne pathogens. The incorrect answers provided do not accurately represent the components of FAT TOM.

Time-temperature Control for Safety Foods (TCS Foods) are the foods that are most likely to become unsafe due to their susceptibility to bacterial growth when exposed to improper time and temperature conditions.

The correct answer includes foods that are commonly associated with foodborne illnesses due to their composition and handling practices. Fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods, and pasta and bread products are generally less likely to become unsafe compared to the items listed in the correct answer.

Viruses are unique in their structure and function, requiring a host organism to survive and reproduce. Unlike single-celled organisms, viruses cannot reproduce independently. They are not insects but instead are classified within a separate group of microorganisms. Additionally, viruses are distinct from bacteria, as they are acellular entities that cause diseases in various living organisms.

Preventing the spread of viruses in a food operation is crucial for food safety. By following proper guidelines, such as keeping sick foodhandlers away, handwashing, and avoiding bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat foods, the risk of contamination can be significantly reduced.

Hepatitis A and Norovirus gastroenteritis are two major foodborne illnesses caused by viruses, while the incorrect answers are caused by different bacteria known to cause foodborne illnesses.

The correct answer explains that hepatitis A is commonly linked to ready-to-eat food and shellfish from contaminated water, and that cooking does not destroy the virus. The incorrect answers provide alternative food sources, symptoms, and transmission methods that are not accurate for hepatitis A.

This question provides information about the illness Norovirus gastroenteritis caused by the Norovirus. The correct answer includes the foods commonly linked to the virus and the most common symptoms associated with it. The incorrect answers also present other foodborne illnesses, their respective viruses, common food sources, and symptoms to highlight the differences and similarities to Norovirus gastroenteritis.

While eating a balanced diet and regular exercise contribute to overall health, practicing good personal hygiene remains the most important method for preventing the spread of diseases. Social distancing is also important in certain situations, but personal hygiene habits are essential in day-to-day life.

Bacteria are living organisms that can be found everywhere in the environment. They are single-celled microorganisms that can thrive off various food sources.

The 4 phases of bacteria growth are lag phase, log phase, stationary phase, and death. These phases represent different stages of growth and decline in a population of bacteria.

A spore is specifically a dormant resistant form of bacteria, not related to fruit, minerals, or birds.