Food Manager Practice Exam

Scombroid poisoning is primarily caused by which of the following?

1. Viral infection

2. Histamine toxins

3. Bacterial infection

4. Parasitic infection

The correct answer is: Histamine toxins

Scombroid poisoning is primarily caused by histamine toxins. This type of foodborne illness occurs when certain types of fish, particularly those that are high in histidine, are not stored properly. When such fish are exposed to warm temperatures, bacteria can grow and convert histidine into histamine, which is a toxin that can cause allergic-like reactions in humans when ingested. The symptoms of scombroid poisoning often include flushing, headache, sweating, and gastrointestinal issues, which can be confused with an allergic reaction or food poisoning. Proper handling and storage of fish, including keeping it at appropriate temperatures, are crucial in preventing this type of food safety issue. Other causes listed, such as viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections, are associated with different types of foodborne illnesses. While bacteria can play a role in the production of histamine in scombroid poisoning, it is specifically the histamine toxins that are the primary cause of the poisoning.