HIC Foodborne Illness Investigation 2

Question 1

During a foodborne illness outbreak investigation, what is the primary purpose of a case-control study?

Accepted Answer

To identify the source of contamination by comparing food exposures of ill vs. well individuals

Answer

A case-control study compares the food exposure histories of sick individuals (cases) to healthy individuals (controls) to identify the likely vehicle of illness.

Question 2

Which agency is the primary federal partner for health inspectors when a multi-state foodborne illness outbreak is identified?

Accepted Answer

FDA and CDC

Answer

The FDA and CDC are the primary federal partners for multi-state outbreak investigations, with CDC coordinating epidemiology and FDA/USDA handling food and traceback investigations.

Question 3

What does an 'attack rate' measure in a foodborne illness outbreak investigation?

Accepted Answer

The percentage of exposed individuals who became ill

Answer

The attack rate is the proportion of people exposed to a suspected vehicle who developed illness, used to identify the most likely food source.

Question 4

A health inspector collects a stool sample from a food handler suspected of causing a Salmonella outbreak. How long should the specimen typically be kept refrigerated before lab submission?

Accepted Answer

No more than 24 hours at 35–46°F (2–8°C)

Answer

Stool specimens for bacterial culture should be refrigerated at 2–8°C and submitted to the laboratory within 24 hours to preserve pathogen viability.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the 'incubation period' in a foodborne illness context?

Accepted Answer

The time between consuming contaminated food and the onset of symptoms

Answer

The incubation period is the elapsed time from ingestion of a contaminated food to the appearance of illness symptoms, which helps narrow down the causative pathogen.

(HIC) Health Inspector Certification Practice Test

(HIC) Health Inspector Certification Practice Test

HIC Foodborne Illness Investigation 2