WSQ Food-borne Pathogens 2

Question 1

What is the difference between food infection and food intoxication?

Accepted Answer

Food infection is caused by consuming live pathogens that multiply in the body; food intoxication is caused by consuming toxins already produced by bacteria in the food

Answer

They are the same thing

Answer

Infection is more serious

Answer

Intoxication only comes from chemicals

Question 2

Which of the following foods are considered 'potentially hazardous' (high-risk) in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Cooked rice, meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, cut fruits, cooked vegetables, and tofu — foods that are moist, protein-rich, and pH neutral

Answer

Only raw meat

Answer

Only dairy products

Answer

Only imported foods

Question 3

What is Bacillus cereus and why is it particularly relevant to rice in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

A spore-forming bacterium commonly found in rice that produces toxins if cooked rice is not stored properly; the spores survive cooking

Answer

A virus found in water

Answer

A chemical in rice

Answer

A type of fungus

Question 4

What is 'bio-film' and how does it relate to food safety?

Accepted Answer

A slimy layer of bacteria that adheres to surfaces (cutting boards, pipes, equipment), protecting bacteria from cleaning and sanitising agents

Answer

A documentary about biology

Answer

A biodegradable food wrap

Answer

A type of food preservative

Question 5

How does pH affect bacterial growth in food?

Accepted Answer

Most pathogenic bacteria grow best at pH 4.6-7.5 (near neutral); highly acidic foods (pH below 4.6) inhibit bacterial growth

Answer

pH has no effect on bacteria

Answer

Bacteria only grow in acidic foods

Answer

Bacteria prefer very alkaline foods

Question 6

What are indicator organisms in food safety testing?

Accepted Answer

Organisms like E. coli and coliforms whose presence in food indicates possible faecal contamination or general hygiene failures

Answer

Organisms that indicate the food is safe

Answer

Only visible organisms like mould

Answer

Organisms added to food for testing