Bacteria and food poisoning

Objectives

• To give examples of bacteria that cause food poisoning (campylobacter, E. coli, salmonella)

• To describe optimum conditions for the growth of bacteria (warmth, moisture, food sources)

• To know the common symptoms of food poisoning (stomach pains vomiting, diarrhoea)

• Look at the list of microbes. Highlight the ones that you think cause food poisoning.

• Staphylococcus aureus • Legionella• Salmonella• Hepatitis B• E. coli• HIV• Listeria• Campylobacter

Campylobacter

E. coli

Salmonella

Conditions bacteria like to grow.

Bacteria like to grow in conditions that are warm, moist and near to a food source. It is for these reasons that food production needs to be controlled.

The symptoms of food poisoning.

When a food containing bad bacteria is consumed it can cause stomach pains, vomiting and diarrhoea. It is important that you know what to do if you develop food poisoning.

Food poisoning.

Food poisoning is caused by the growth of microorganisms, usually bacteria, and by the toxins they produce when they grow. Microbiologists and Public Health Inspectors are responsible for monitoring the growth of bacteria in places where their presence causes harmful effects.

Food hygiene!