Food Manager Practice Exam

Which of the following foods is most likely to harbor harmful bacteria?

1. Prepared soups

2. Raw eggs

3. Canned vegetables

4. Frozen fruits

The correct answer is: Raw eggs

Raw eggs are most likely to harbor harmful bacteria, particularly Salmonella. This bacterium is commonly found on the eggshell and inside the egg, especially if the eggs are not handled properly or cooked to the appropriate temperature. The risk of illness increases when consuming raw or undercooked eggs, as any bacteria present can survive and cause foodborne illness. Prepared soups, canned vegetables, and frozen fruits have undergone processes such as cooking, canning, or freezing, which effectively reduce or eliminate harmful bacteria. Prepared soups are typically cooked at high temperatures, and canned vegetables undergo heat treatment to ensure their safety. Frozen fruits are generally washed and handled in a way that minimizes bacterial contamination prior to freezing. Therefore, these options present less of a risk compared to raw eggs, making raw eggs the correct answer in this context.