Sanitation Certification Practice Test

Which food item should be cooked to specific temperatures to prevent Hemorrhagic Colitis?

1. Poultry

2. Ground beef

3. Shellfish

4. Vegetables

The correct answer is: Ground beef

Ground beef should be cooked to specific temperatures to prevent Hemorrhagic Colitis because this condition is often linked to the presence of specific pathogens, particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli), that can be found in undercooked beef. When ground beef is not cooked to the proper internal temperature, harmful bacteria may survive, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. The recommended cooking temperature for ground beef is at least 160°F (71°C), as this ensures that any E. coli present is effectively killed, helping to prevent outbreaks of Hemorrhagic Colitis, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress and complications. Poultry also requires cooking to a specific temperature, but it is more often associated with different pathogens like Salmonella. Shellfish and vegetables do not have the same direct association with Hemorrhagic Colitis as ground beef does, making ground beef the critical focus when aiming to prevent this specific illness.