Food Bourne Illness Flashcards
What is the role of microorganisms in food spoilage?
Microorganisms contribute to the deterioration of food by causing spoilage and producing toxins.
Define food-borne infection.
Infection resulting from eating food contaminated with pathogenic microbes.
Define food intoxication.
Disease caused by consumption of food containing pre-formed toxins.
Name a bacteria that can cause food-borne infection.
- Campylobacter spp.
- Salmonella spp.
- Escherichia coli
- Listeria monocytogenes
What are the clinical symptoms associated with Campylobacter jejuni infection?
Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
What are the clinical symptoms associated with Escherichia coli infection?
Symptoms may include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.
What are the clinical symptoms associated with Salmonella spp. infection?
Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
What is the primary focus of food microbiologists?
- Detection of pathogens
- Control of food spoilage
- Protection of human health
How does food composition affect microbial growth?
High carbohydrate foods promote fungal growth, while high protein or fat foods result in bacterial growth and foul odors.
What is putrefaction?
Decomposition of proteins resulting in the production of amine compounds like cadaverine.
What is the temperature range for canning low acid foods?
A temperature range that effectively kills spores.
What is the DANGER ZONE in food storage?
The temperature range where bacteria grow quickly; do not store food within this range.
List some methods to control food spoilage.
- High temperature
- Low temperature
- Water availability
- Chemical preservation
- Radiation
- Microbial product based inhibition
What are the consequences of food spoilage?
- Economic loss
- Food waste
- Health risks
What is foodborne disease?
Disease caused by consumption of food contaminated with poisoning agents including chemicals or infectious agents.
