Food Manager Practice Exam

What type of foodborne illness is likely to occur when potentially hazardous food is left at room temperature?

1. Foodborne intoxication

2. Foodborne infection

3. Foodborne contamination

4. Foodborne allergy

The correct answer is: Foodborne intoxication

Foodborne intoxication is the correct answer since it refers to illnesses that occur when a person consumes food containing toxins produced by bacteria. When potentially hazardous foods—like those containing proteins—are left at room temperature, bacteria can multiply rapidly, leading to the production of these harmful toxins. For instance, foods left out can allow Bacillus cereus or Staphylococcus aureus to thrive, both of which can produce toxins that result in foodborne illness. Symptoms often manifest quickly, sometimes within hours, due to the pre-formed toxins already present in the food. In contrast, foodborne infection involves the ingestion of pathogens that then grow and reproduce in the intestines, leading to illness, which typically has a longer onset time. Foodborne contamination refers to the undesired presence of harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites in food but doesn't specify the resultant illness type, and foodborne allergy involves an immune response to food proteins rather than bacterial action. Understanding the nature of these illnesses emphasizes the importance of proper food storage and handling practices to mitigate risks associated with foodborne illnesses.