Michigan Food Safety Management Practice Test

Which food source is associated with Bacillus Cereus?

1. Raw oysters

2. Cereals

3. Raw vegetables

4. Honey

The correct answer is: Cereals

Bacillus cereus is primarily associated with improper food handling and is particularly known for being present in starchy foods, especially cereals and grains. This microorganism can form spores that survive cooking temperatures and can subsequently germinate and produce toxins if the cooked food is allowed to remain at room temperature for an extended period. When cereal products, such as rice, pasta, or other grain-based foods, are cooked and then left to sit out, the spores can activate and multiply, leading to foodborne illness characterized by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. This association highlights the importance of proper food storage and handling, especially for foods that might be left out after cooking. The other choices do not have the same level of association with Bacillus cereus. For instance, raw oysters are often associated with other pathogens like Vibrio, raw vegetables might relate to various bacteria but not specifically Bacillus cereus, and honey is known for containing Clostridium botulinum spores, which affect infants. Understanding the specific food sources associated with each pathogen is crucial for food safety management.