Bacteria are fast-growing small creatures that may be good or bad in terms of health and food. For example, when you eat yogurt, the healthy bacteria that it contains can benefit your digestive tract. On the other hand, when you go for a picnic and the heat warms your food, the bacteria will multiply quickly and cause disease when you eat. Since bacteria can multiply every 20 to 30 minutes, proper food preparation and cooking techniques must be taken to prevent people from getting sick.
A woman cleans the kitchen counter. (Source: kirstyokeeffe / iStock / Getty Images) Bacterial Section
Each bacterium contains genetic information required by the bacterium. Produce a new type of replicating bacteria. This allows the bacteria to multiply. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, bacteria can double in 20 to 30 minutes, which means that one type of bacteria becomes two, and then two become four, eventually resulting in the formation of millions in a few hours. cell. Although millions of cells may be in food, only 10 E. coli can make you sick, so even small amounts of bacteria can be harmful.
Bacterial Size
The hazards of bacteria in food are difficult to determine because they are microscopic. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, an estimated 1 million bacteria can be placed in a square inch range of foods commonly found in foods including Salmonella enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium botulinum and monocytogenes Listeria. And these bacteria can grow quickly. At 1 pm, the food may contain 1000 bacteria. According to the health department in Bethel, Connecticut, if bacteria grow every 20 minutes, they will exceed 32 million after 5 hours.
Growth Factors
Bacteria on food do not grow automatically. Instead, they must have the right environment to promote growth. By minimizing these factors, you can prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause disease. An example is temperature. The hotter the environment, the easier it is for bacteria to grow. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, bacteria are unlikely to grow below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Nutrients are another factor. Bacteria like to eat prProtein means that foods such as meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products and seafood can be breeding grounds for bacteria. Moisture also breeds bacteria. Dry foods are less likely to promote bacterial growth.
Tips
To prevent rapid bacterial growth, it is important to keep food in a safe area to maintain temperature, such as in a refrigerator or refrigerator. Cooking food as thoroughly as possible can cause bacteria to enter high temperatures and kill them. Discarding food for more than two hours can cause bacteria to multiply to harmful levels. Keeping your hands and cooking surface clean can also reduce the possibility of bacterial transmission. Disinfecting the surface with bleach or hot water can kill bacteria and reduce pollution.
