What is Staphylococcus aureus and how does it contaminate food?
Understand the Problem
The text provides detailed information about Staphylococcus aureus, its growth conditions, sources, associated foods, symptoms of intoxication, and control measures to prevent contamination. It is an informative passage aimed at understanding the microorganism and its effects on food safety.
Answer
Staphylococcus aureus contaminates food through unwashed hands, producing toxins that cause food poisoning.
Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that can contaminate food through unwashed hands or contact with surfaces that carry the bacteria. It can grow in contaminated food, producing toxins that cause food poisoning.
Answer for screen readers
Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that can contaminate food through unwashed hands or contact with surfaces that carry the bacteria. It can grow in contaminated food, producing toxins that cause food poisoning.
More Information
Staphylococcus aureus, often found on the skin and in the nose, is capable of surviving in harsh conditions such as high salt levels. Proper hygiene and food handling practices are crucial to preventing contamination and growth.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming that cooking heat can destroy the toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus, but these toxins are often heat-stable.
Sources
- Staphylococcus aureus (food poisoning) - BCCDC - bccdc.ca
- Staph Foodborne Illness - MyHealth Alberta - myhealth.alberta.ca
- Food Poisoning and Staphylococcus aureus Enterotoxins - NCBI - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
