Food Safety Certification Practice Test

Which foodborne diseases are the number one cause of illness in the United States according to health authorities?

1. Bacteria (Salmonella and E. coli)

2. Viruses (Norovirus and Hepatitis A)

3. Parasites (Giardia and Cryptosporidium)

4. Fungi (Candida and Aspergillus)

The correct answer is: Viruses (Norovirus and Hepatitis A)

Viruses, particularly Norovirus and Hepatitis A, are recognized as the leading causes of foodborne illnesses in the United States. Norovirus is especially notorious for its ability to spread rapidly in crowded environments like restaurants, schools, and cruise ships. It can result in outbreaks where a large number of individuals become ill in a short period, often through contaminated food or surfaces. Hepatitis A, while less frequent than norovirus outbreaks, is still significant and can lead to serious health complications. It is primarily transmitted through contaminated food or water, particularly when food handlers do not practice proper hygiene. The emphasis on viruses as the main culprits in foodborne illnesses is supported by health authorities, which monitor and report incidences of foodborne diseases regularly. In contrast, while bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli are also common and can cause severe illnesses, their overall incidence rate is lower than that of viral infections as reported by various health studies. Likewise, parasites and fungi, while they can cause illness, do not rank as highly in terms of the sheer number of cases when compared to viral infections. Thus, the selection of viruses as the number one cause reflects current public health data and the patterns of foodborne illness outbreaks in the U.S.