Ch. 2: Forms of Contamination Flashcards
What is contamination?
The presence of harmful substances in food. Biological, Chemical or Physical.
Where do contaminants come from? (6)
Animals used for food Air Water Dirt Chemicals Naturally occurring (eg bones in fish)
What is the fecal-oral route of contamination?
When food handlers do not wash their hands properly after using the restroom and contaminate food and food surfaces with feces on their fingers.
What are three ways contaminants can get passed along?
Person to person
Sneezing/Coughing/Vomiting on food or food contact surfaces
Touching dirty food contact surfaces then food
Where does biological contamination come from?
Microorganisms.
What are harmful microorganisms called?
Pathogens.
What are the four types of pathogens?
Bacteria
Viruses
Parasites
Fungi (includes mold & yeast)
What are the Big Six pathogens? Why are they called that?
Shigella spp
Salmonella Typhi
Nontyphoidal Salmonella
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E.coli or STEC)
Hepatitis A
Norovirus
They are the most contagious and cause severe illness.
What are the most common symptoms of foodborne illnesses? (6)
Diarrhea Vomiting Fever Nausea Abdominal Cramps Jaundice
What is the range of onset times for foodborne illnesses?
30 minutes to 6 weeks
Where are bacteria found?
Almost everywhere.
Can bacteria be seen, smelled, or tasted?
No
What are the six conditions needed for Bacteria to grow?
FAT TOM
Food–need nutrients
Acidity–neutral to slightly acidic
Temperature–TDZ
Time–more time more opportunity for growth
Oxygen–some need oxygen, others are anaerobic
Moisture–high levels of moisture are better
Best acidity range for bacteria growth?
4.5-6.5 pH (neutral to slightly acidic)
Best temp range for bacteria growth?
41 and 135 degrees F (the Temperature Danger Zone)
Faster between 70 to 125
Best ways to control for FAT TOM?
Control how long TCS food is in the TDZ. Avoid it being in the TDZ if possible.
What are the four major bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses?
Salmonella Typhi
Nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS)
Shigella spp.
STEC/E.coli
Can a worker diagnosed with an illness caused by the four major bacteria work?
Never in foodservice operation while sick.
What is the source of Salmonella Typhi?
Only in humans.
What are foods linked with Salmonella Typhi? (2)
RTE Food
Beverages
What prevention measures should be taken about Salmonella Typhi? (3)
Exclude those with a diagnosis
Wash hands
Cook food to minimum internal temperatures
What is the source of NTS?
Many farm animals
What are foods linked with NTS? (5)
Poultry Eggs Meat Dairy Products Produce
Prevention measures for NTS? (3)
Cook poultry and eggs to minimum internal temps
Prevent cross-contamination between poultry and RTE Food
Exclude those with a diagnosis who are vomiting or having diarrhea
What is the source of Shigella spp? (3)
Feces of humans w/ the illness
Mostly when people consume contaminated food or water
Flies transferring bacteria from feces to food
What are foods linked with Shigella spp? (2)
Food easily contaminated by hands (TCS Food Salads)
Food that has made contact with contaminated water (Produce)
Prevention measures for Shigella spp? (3)
Exclude those with a diagnosis and are having diarrhea
Wash hands
Control flies in and outside of operation
Sources of STEC? (2)
Cattle intestines
Infected people
Foods linked with STEC? (2)
Ground beef (raw and undercooked) Contaminated Produce
Prevention measures for STEC? (4)
Exclude those with a diagnosis and are having diarrhea
Cook food (especially ground beef) to minimum internal temperatures
Purchase produce from approved suppliers
Prevent cross contamination between raw meat and RTE Food
Where are viruses found?
Carried by human beings and animals. Require a living host to grow.
Are viruses still infectious in food?
Yes