Food Manager Practice Exam

Which practice is essential to prevent foodborne illnesses associated with Bacillus cereus?

1. Cooking meat thoroughly

2. Proper cooling and heating of rice

3. Avoiding raw vegetables

4. Washing hands before eating

The correct answer is: Proper cooling and heating of rice

Bacillus cereus is a bacterium that can cause foodborne illnesses, often linked to rice and other starchy foods. This microorganism produces toxins that lead to two primary types of illnesses: one associated with vomiting and the other with diarrhea. A critical factor in the prevention of these illnesses involves the proper cooling and reheating of rice, as Bacillus cereus is notably resilient to heat and can form spores. When rice is cooked, if it is not then cooled properly and stored at the correct temperatures, the spores can survive. If the rice is left at room temperature for too long, these spores can germinate and produce toxins. Reheating rice that has not been properly stored may not eliminate these toxins, leading to a risk of foodborne illness. Therefore, maintaining proper cooling practices and ensuring that rice is heated to safe temperatures before consumption is essential to prevent Bacillus cereus-related foodborne illness. While thoroughly cooking meat, avoiding raw vegetables, and washing hands are all important food safety practices, they do not specifically address the risks associated with Bacillus cereus, particularly in relation to rice and other starchy foods. Thus, the focus on rice preparation and storage is paramount in this context.