Food Safety Certification Practice Test

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Study for the Food Safety Certification Test. Dive into multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your certification exam!

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What is the toxin associated with histamine poisoning?

Scombrotoxin
Ciguatoxin
Botulinum toxin
Staphylococcus toxin

The correct answer is: Scombrotoxin

Scombrotoxin is the toxin associated with histamine poisoning, which often occurs from the consumption of certain fish species that have been improperly stored or handled. When fish such as tuna, mackerel, or sardines are not kept at the right temperatures, bacteria can convert histidine, an amino acid present in the fish, into histamine. If ingested in sufficient quantities, histamine can lead to symptoms of poisoning, including flushing, headache, and gastrointestinal distress. The other toxins listed are associated with different types of foodborne illnesses. Ciguatoxin is linked to ciguatera fish poisoning, which occurs from eating fish that have consumed certain algae in tropical waters. Botulinum toxin is produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum and is associated with improperly canned or preserved foods, leading to botulism. Staphylococcus toxin is produced by Staphylococcus aureus and can cause food poisoning when foods are contaminated and left unrefrigerated.