Question

The major microorganism that the food handler's may harbour as part of the body's flora is:

• A. Staphylococcus aureus
• B. Bacillus thermophilus
• C. Clostridium botulinum
• D. Bacillus cereus

Hint:

In food safety questions, when you see "food handler," immediately think of {Staphylococcus aureus}. It's the classic example of a bacterium transferred from a person's skin or nose to food.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Food handlers can be a significant source of microbial contamination. Some microorganisms are part of the normal flora of the human body, meaning they live on or in a person without causing illness to them, but can cause foodborne illness if transferred to food.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium that is a major part of the normal flora of the human body. It is frequently found in the nasal passages and on the skin of healthy individuals. If food handlers with poor hygiene practices (e.g., not washing hands, coughing or sneezing near food) handle cooked foods, they can transfer {S. aureus}. If the food is then stored at improper temperatures, the bacteria can multiply and produce a heat-stable toxin that causes staphylococcal food poisoning.
- Bacillus thermophilus is a thermophilic (heat-loving) bacterium, not typically part of human flora.
- Clostridium botulinum and Bacillus cereus are spore-forming bacteria typically found in soil and the environment, not as a primary part of the normal human body flora.
Step 4: Final Answer:
{Staphylococcus aureus} is the major microorganism associated with the normal flora of a food handler that is of concern in food safety. Therefore, option (A) is correct.