2-1

The Microworld

2-2

Types of Microorganisms

Similarities

2-3

Bacteria That Cause Foodborne Illness

Basic Characteristics

Living, single-celled organism

Can be carried by food, water, soil, animals, humans, or insects

Can reproduce very rapidly under favorable conditions

2-4

Bacteria That Cause Foodborne Illness

Basic Characteristics: continued

Some survive freezing

Some change into a different form called spores to protect themselves

Some spoil food; others cause illness

Some produce toxins that cause illness

2-5

Spores

Certain bacteria can change into a different form, called spores, to protect themselves

Spores

Form when nutrients are not available

Are commonly found in soil and contaminate food grown there

Can contaminate meat, poultry, fish, and other food exposed to soil or dust

2-6

Spores

Spores

Can resist heat, allowing them to survive cooking temperatures

Can revert back to a form capable of growth when:

Food is not stored at the proper temperature

Food is not held or cooled properly

2-7

Basic Characteristics of Viruses

Viruses

Some may survive freezing

Can be transmitted from:

Person to person

People to food

People to food-contact surfaces

Usually contaminate food through a foodhandler’s improper hygiene

Can contaminate both food and water supplies

2-8

Basic Characteristics of Parasites

Parasites

Are living organisms that need a host to survive

Are small, often microscopic

Infect many animals and can be transmitted to humans

Are a hazard to food and water

2-9

Fungi

Fungi

Commonly cause food spoilage and sometimes illness

Molds Yeasts

Fungi

2-10

Basic Characteristics of Mold

Mold

Spoils food and sometimes causes illness

Grows well in acidic food with low water activity

Is not destroyed by freezing

Can produce toxins such as aflatoxins

2-11

Basic Characteristics of Yeast

Yeast

Can spoil food rapidly

May produce a smell or taste of alcohol as it spoils food

May appear as a pink discoloration or slime and may bubble

2-12

Answer in your notes:

Page 292 in Food for Today

Answer these questions in complete sentences:

1. What is the FSIS?

2. How do they keep the food supply safe?

3. What is the CDC?

4. How do they keep our food supply safe?