Food Safety Certification Practice Test

What foods can harbor hepatitis A?

1. Cooked beef and pasta salads

2. Raw and improperly cooked oysters and green onions

3. Grilled chicken and steamed rice

4. Baked bread and pastries

The correct answer is: Raw and improperly cooked oysters and green onions

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that can be transmitted through food and water when they are contaminated with the virus. Among the options presented, certain foods are more commonly associated with the transmission of hepatitis A due to potential contact with contaminated water or improper handling. Raw and improperly cooked oysters are particularly notorious for harboring hepatitis A because they filter large volumes of water as they feed, which can contain the virus if the water is contaminated. Green onions can also be a risk factor, especially if they are grown in soil that has been contaminated or if they are rinsed with contaminated water during preparation. Therefore, option B accurately identifies foods that are capable of harboring the hepatitis A virus. The other food choices do not typically present the same level of risk. Cooked beef and pasta salads might be safe if properly handled, while grilled chicken, steamed rice, baked bread, and pastries typically undergo cooking processes that kill the virus, thus minimizing any risk of contamination related to hepatitis A.