Describe the conditions for microbial growth in a food preparation area.
the answer I have so far is:
FOOD/NUTRIENTS
Nutrients are needed for any living organism to live and grow and is obtained from sources such as sugars, starch, protein, fat and other compounds containing nutrients. The foods in which bacteria like to multiply are normally nutritious foods. These include meat, poultry, fish (particularly shellfish), cooked rice and pasta, milk products and eggs and also any foods which contain these as an ingredient such as meat pies, sandwiches, gravy, salads, etc.
MOISTURE/WATER
Bacteria need water to dissolve the food they use for energy and growth.
WARMTH/TEMPERATURE
Bacteria are capable of growing over a wide range of temperatures and are usually classified according to the temperature at which they grow. They will grow at temperatures between 5°C and 63°C, and have an optimum temperature for growth of about 37°C. Listeria bacteria will grow very slowly below 5°C, but most pathogens become inactive (dormant) at low temperatures. They start to multiply more rapidly as the temperature rises.
TIME
In ideal conditions (i.e. in moist foods at 37°C) bacteria will grow and multiply by dividing into two every 20 minutes. After 6 hours, in ideal conditions, one bacterial cell could become 131,072 bacteria.
OXYGEN
pH
Most bacteria grow well at neutral pH, but many can reproduce in a pH range from 4.5 - 10.0.
AREA
In a food preparation area, places where microbial growth can occur include, un sterilized dishcloths, chopping boards, benchtops, surfaces etc.
I have no idea if this is right or how right it is, or if anything needs to be added to it, any input would be much appreciated,
thanks
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