Question

At temperatures above freezing, activities of food borne microorganisms can be:
1. Stopped
2. Slow
3. Rapid
4. Quick

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Slow

Effect on microorganisms when the food is being frozen :

• Limits Water Activity - There will be no available water content for the microorganisms to use and multiply themselves.
• Low Temperature - The temperatures above  -9ºC are not suitable for microorganisms to grow. Thus, the growth of microorganisms STOPS above freezing temperatures.
• Lowers Enzyme Activity - Due to low temperature and water activity the enzyme activity of food SLOWS down. Thus, limiting the suitable conditions for microbial growth.

 

 

Danger zone :

• The temperature range at which the bacteria grows rapidly is the Danger Zone Temperature.
• As per FSSAI, the temperature range is 5ºC - 63ºC.
• The growth is most rapid at temperatures around 37ºC.

 

When is the microbial growth SLOW?

• It is slow in refrigerated condition.
• Temperature range - at or below 4ºC.