Podcast
Questions and Answers
In FATTOM, what does the 'F' stand for?
In FATTOM, what does the 'F' stand for?
Food
In FATTOM, what does the 'A' stand for?
In FATTOM, what does the 'A' stand for?
Acidity
In FATTOM, what do the two 'Ts' stand for?
In FATTOM, what do the two 'Ts' stand for?
Temperature and Time
In FATTOM, what does the 'O' stand for?
In FATTOM, what does the 'O' stand for?
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In FATTOM, what does the 'M' stand for?
In FATTOM, what does the 'M' stand for?
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What is FATTOM?
What is FATTOM?
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Study Notes
FATTOM Overview
- FATTOM is an acronym representing six factors essential for bacterial growth: Food, Acidity, Time, Temperature, Oxygen, and Moisture.
Food
- Bacteria require nutrients, primarily carbohydrates and proteins, to thrive.
- TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) foods, such as meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs, provide optimal nutrients for bacterial growth.
Acidity
- Bacteria flourish best in foods with low acidity, specifically between pH 4.6 and 7.5.
- The pH scale ranges from 0 (highly acidic) to 14 (highly alkaline), with 7 being neutral.
Temperature
- The temperature danger zone for bacterial growth is between 41°F and 135°F.
- Bacterial growth is inhibited when food is stored above or below this temperature range.
Time
- Bacteria require sufficient time to grow, particularly when food is held in the temperature danger zone.
- Longer exposure in the danger zone increases the risk of bacteria reaching unsafe levels.
Oxygen
- Bacteria can be categorized as aerobic (requiring oxygen) or anaerobic (growing without oxygen).
- Anaerobic bacteria may be found in certain foods, including cooked rice and garlic-and-oil mixtures.
Moisture
- High moisture levels in food promote bacterial growth; the moisture level is quantified as 'water activity' (aw).
- The aw scale ranges from 0.0 to 1.0, with values of 0.85 or higher being ideal for bacterial proliferation. Water has an aw of 1.0.
Summary of FATTOM
- FATTOM represents critical environmental factors affecting bacterial development and food safety. Understanding these elements is vital for preventing foodborne illnesses.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the FATTOM acronym in food safety. This quiz covers the essential components such as Food, Acidity, and more. Perfect for CUL 250 students preparing for their exams.
