Question

What is the main type of microorganism responsible for food poisoning?

• A. \(\text{Bacteria}\)
• B. \(\text{Mould}\)
• C. \(\text{Virus}\)
• D. \(\text{Parasite}\)

Hint:

Common foodborne bacteria such as \(\textit{Salmonella}\) and \(\textit{E. coli}\) are the primary cause of food poisoning.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding foodborne pathogens. 
- Bacteria are the most common microorganisms responsible for food poisoning due to their ability to contaminate food and produce toxins.
- Examples of foodborne bacteria include \(\textit{Salmonella}, \textit{E. coli}, \textit{Staphylococcus aureus}, \) and \(\textit{Clostridium botulinum}. \)
Step 2: Explanation of incorrect options. 
- Mould (B): Certain moulds can produce mycotoxins but are not the main cause of food poisoning. 
- Virus (C): Viruses such as norovirus and hepatitis A can cause illness, but they are less common than bacterial causes.
- Parasite (D): Some parasites like \(\textit{Giardia}\) and \(\textit{Toxoplasma}\) cause foodborne illness, but bacteria remain the most common culprit. 
Step 3: Selecting the correct option. Since bacteria are the leading cause of foodborne illnesses, the correct answer is (A) Bacteria.