Which bacteria infect our food? What are their growth rates? Harmful levels?

In summary, the conversation discusses food preservation and the most common dangerous bacteria. It is mentioned that these bacteria can survive the stomach and cause issues in the intestine. The conversation also touches on the body's reaction to bacterial growth and potential sources of infection.
  • #1
pa5tabear
175
0
I'm curious about food preservation. Which are the most common dangerous bacteria? How quickly do they grow? What sort of conditions? And how many must be present to pose a threat to a human?

Also, how do they survive the stomach? Do they infect via the mouth or esophagus?
 
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  • #2
You mean like samonella or staph in eggs? that kind of thing

The bacteria that cause diarrhea survive stomach just fine. Their site of action usually happen at the intestine level.
 
  • #3
mazinse said:
You mean like samonella or staph in eggs? that kind of thing

The bacteria that cause diarrhea survive stomach just fine. Their site of action usually happen at the intestine level.

Yes, I'm interested in any/all food pathogens.

Do you know how/why the body reacts to bacterial growth with diarrhea?
 

Related to Which bacteria infect our food? What are their growth rates? Harmful levels?

1. What are the most common bacteria that infect our food?

Some of the most common bacteria that infect our food include Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, and Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria can be found in a variety of foods such as raw meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and contaminated fruits and vegetables.

2. What are the growth rates of these bacteria?

The growth rates of bacteria can vary depending on the specific type of bacteria and the conditions in which they are growing. Generally, bacteria can double in population every 20 minutes under ideal conditions.

3. What levels of bacteria in our food are considered harmful?

The level of bacteria in our food that is considered harmful can also vary depending on the type of bacteria and the individual's immune system. However, a general guideline is that any food containing more than 100,000 colony-forming units (CFUs) of bacteria per gram is considered potentially hazardous.

4. How can we prevent bacteria from infecting our food?

There are several ways to prevent bacteria from infecting our food. These include proper hand washing, cooking food to the correct temperature, storing food at the appropriate temperature, avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods, and consuming food before its expiration date.

5. Can bacteria be completely eliminated from our food?

It is difficult to completely eliminate bacteria from our food, as they are naturally present in our environment. However, proper food handling, cooking, and storage techniques can greatly reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. Additionally, some food production processes, such as pasteurization, can help to reduce the number of bacteria present in food.

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