New York City Food Protection Practice Test

What can commonly contaminate our food supply through fecal matter?

1. Helminths

2. Hepatitis A

3. Botulism

4. Parasites

The correct answer is: Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that is particularly associated with contamination through fecal matter. This virus can be transmitted when food or water becomes contaminated with the feces of an infected person. Hepatitis A is often linked to improper handling of food, especially in environments where hygiene practices are not strictly observed. Since the virus can survive in food products and surfaces, it poses a significant risk to public health, especially in places where sanitation is inadequate. The other choices, while they may relate to food safety and public health, are not primarily transmitted through fecal contamination in the same way. Helminths, which are parasitic worms, can contaminate food but require specific conditions for transmission, often through the consumption of undercooked meat or contaminated water rather than direct fecal contact. Botulism is caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, often associated with improperly canned foods rather than fecal contamination. Parasites can also be a concern in food safety, but they do not specifically highlight fecal contamination in the context of a viral infection like Hepatitis A does.