Risk Management part 3

most bacteria prefer food that are high in protein or carbohydrates like meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, cooked rice, potatoes and beans.

most bacteria prefer a neutral environment (pH 7.0) but are capable of growing in foods that have a pH in the range of 4.6 to 7.0

all bacteria do not have the same temperature requirements for growth

grow within a temperature range of 32oF (0oC) to 70oF (21oC). These microorganisms are especially troublesome because they are capable at both refrigerated and room temperature.

bacteria grow at temperatures between 70oF (21oC) to 110oF (43oC) with most rapid growth at human body temperature (98.6oF (37oC).

grow best at temperature above 110oF (43oC). They are spoilage organisms.

bacteria needed about 4 hours to grow to high enough numbers to cause illness

bacteria also differ in requirements for oxygen

bacteria must have oxygen in order to grow

bacteria cannot survive when oxygen is present