ServSafe Foodborne Illness & Pathogens 1

Question 1

What is the most common way pathogens are transferred to food in a food service operation?

Accepted Answer

Food handlers who practice poor personal hygiene

Answer

Contaminated water supply

Answer

Improper ventilation in the kitchen

Answer

Using expired cleaning chemicals

Question 2

Which of the following best defines a foodborne illness?

Accepted Answer

A disease transmitted to people through contaminated food

Answer

Any illness caused by eating too much food

Answer

An allergic reaction to a specific food ingredient

Answer

Stomach discomfort caused by eating spicy food

Question 3

What does the acronym FAT TOM represent in food safety?

Accepted Answer

Food, Acidity, Temperature, Time, Oxygen, Moisture

Answer

Fungi, Allergens, Toxins, Temperature, Oxygen, Mold

Answer

Food, Additives, Temperature, Time, Organisms, Moisture

Answer

Freezing, Acidity, Treatment, Time, Oxygen, Microbes

Question 4

What temperature range is known as the Temperature Danger Zone where pathogens multiply most rapidly?

Accepted Answer

41°F to 135°F (5°C to 57°C)

Answer

0°F to 32°F (-18°C to 0°C)

Answer

32°F to 40°F (0°C to 4°C)

Answer

135°F to 165°F (57°C to 74°C)

Question 5

Which group is considered most susceptible (highly at risk) to foodborne illness?

Accepted Answer

Elderly, infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals

Answer

Adults between 25 and 50 years old

Answer

People who eat at restaurants frequently

Answer

People who exercise regularly and have high metabolisms

Question 6

How long after consuming contaminated food does a foodborne illness typically become apparent?

Accepted Answer

It varies from hours to weeks depending on the pathogen

Answer

Always within 30 minutes

Answer

Always exactly 24 hours

Answer

Always within 6 hours

Question 7

Which of the following best describes a foodborne infection as opposed to a foodborne intoxication?

Accepted Answer

Illness caused by eating food that contains live pathogens that grow in the body and cause illness

Answer

Illness caused by eating food that contains a preformed toxin

Answer

A physical reaction to a food allergen entering the bloodstream

Answer

Illness caused by consuming food with chemical contaminants