Michigan Food Safety Management Practice Test

What is a common food that may cause Listeria infection?

1. Raw Poultry

2. Deli Meats

3. Raw Meat

4. Rice

The correct answer is: Deli Meats

Deli meats are a common source of Listeria infection due to the way these products are processed and stored. Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria responsible for listeriosis, can be found in ready-to-eat foods, especially those that are not cooked prior to consumption. Deli meats, which include items such as ham, turkey, and roast beef, are frequently subject to contamination during processing. If these meats are not heated to a sufficiently high temperature before serving or are stored improperly, they can harbor Listeria. This makes deli meats a particularly risky food for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Proper cooking, handling, and storage of deli meats are essential practices to mitigate the risk of listeriosis. Other foods listed, such as raw poultry and raw meat, are associated with different pathogens and food safety concerns, including Salmonella and E. coli, rather than Listeria. Rice is not commonly linked with Listeria infections, as it typically does not support the growth of this bacteria under normal food handling and storage conditions.