Raw or uncooked foods are potential sources of harmful what?

Raw or uncooked foods are potential sources of harmful what?

• A. Bacteria
• B. Viruses
• C. Parasites
• D. Allergens

Answer: (A)

Raw foods can carry harmful bacteria. Bacteria are tiny organisms that can live on or in foods and multiply quickly when foods aren’t kept cold or cooked to a safe temperature. Because they grow rapidly, especially in the temperature range between 40°F and 140°F, they’re a major source of foodborne illness from raw foods. Cooking to a proper internal temperature kills most bacteria, and practice like keeping raw foods separate from ready-to-eat foods, washing hands and surfaces, and refrigerating promptly helps prevent problems. While viruses and parasites can also be present in some raw foods, bacteria are the most common concern in everyday kitchen safety. Allergens can cause reactions in sensitive people, but they’re not the same issue as pathogenic microbes in this context.

Raw foods can carry harmful bacteria. Bacteria are tiny organisms that can live on or in foods and multiply quickly when foods aren’t kept cold or cooked to a safe temperature. Because they grow rapidly, especially in the temperature range between 40°F and 140°F, they’re a major source of foodborne illness from raw foods. Cooking to a proper internal temperature kills most bacteria, and practice like keeping raw foods separate from ready-to-eat foods, washing hands and surfaces, and refrigerating promptly helps prevent problems. While viruses and parasites can also be present in some raw foods, bacteria are the most common concern in everyday kitchen safety. Allergens can cause reactions in sensitive people, but they’re not the same issue as pathogenic microbes in this context.