How do bacteria spoil food?
There are different spoilage bacteria and each reproduces at specific temperatures. Some can grow at the low temperatures in the refrigerator or freezer. Others grow well at room temperature and in the “Danger Zone.” Bacteria will grow anywhere they have access to nutrients and water. Under the correct conditions, spoilage bacteria reproduce rapidly and the populations can grow very large. In some cases, they can double their numbers in as little as 20 minutes. The large number of microorganisms and their waste products cause the objectionable changes in odor, taste, and texture.
There are different spoilage bacteria and each reproduces at specific temperatures. Some can grow at the low temperatures in the refrigerator or freezer. Others grow well at room temperature and in the “Danger Zone.” Bacteria will grow anywhere they have access to nutrients and water. Under the correct conditions, spoilage bacteria reproduce rapidly and the populations can grow very large. In some cases, they can double their numbers in as little as 20 minutes.
Guest: There are many bacteria that can spoil food. Some can grow at low temperatures in the refrigerator. Others grow well at room temperature and in the “danger zone.” bacteria will grow anywhere they have access to nutrients and water. Under the correct conditions, spoilage bacteria can grow rapidly and in some cases, they can double their numbers in as little as 20 minutes. The large number of organisms and their waste products cause the undesirable changes in odor, taste, and texture that we associate with spoiled food. Host: Where can consumers find more information on bacteria and other food safety topics? Guest: Consumers may call USDAs Meat and Poultry Hotline and speak to our food safety specialists at 1-888-MPHOTLINE. That number again is 1-888-674-6854. Host: FSIS also has an automated online system. Can you tell our listeners about that? Guest: Yes. For those who prefer to ask their questions online, we have Ask Karen. Ask Karen is an automated response system, available 2
