Utah Food Safety Practice Test

Which organisms are NOT considered major causes of food borne illness?

1. Bacteria and Viruses

2. Parasites and Yeasts

3. Yeast and Molds

4. Fungi and Bacteria

The correct answer is: Yeast and Molds

Yeasts and molds are generally not considered major causes of foodborne illness in comparison to other organisms. While they can cause food spoilage and some yeasty fermentation may lead to health issues, they do not typically cause the widespread and severe health effects associated with bacterial and viral infections. Major foodborne illnesses are predominantly associated with bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, as well as viruses like Norovirus and Hepatitis A. This distinction is important in food safety because it aids in prioritizing prevention measures for the more dangerous pathogens. On the other hand, bacteria and viruses are recognized as leading causes of foodborne diseases due to their ability to multiply and produce toxins or infections in humans. Although parasites can contribute to foodborne illnesses, they are more commonly categorized alongside bacteria and viruses in terms of public health concern compared to yeasts and molds, which primarily affect food quality rather than direct human health.