FAQs on Bacteria

How Many Bacteria Does It Take to Cause Illness?

The number of bacteria that makes a person sick is a well-debated topic – but the numbers can be quite small for “ordinary” people for some of the common food pathogens and even lower for those with specific health problems.  Each species has its own “dose” level. For any one person, this number could be on the high side for one type of  bacteria and on the low side for another type of bacteria.

 

Are Soft Cheeses Dangerous?

Soft cheeses“Say cheese,” the photographer says, and the subject can’t help but smile. Indeed, both the word and the food  itself are something to smile about.  As an appetizer, sandwich entrée, or dessert with fruit, cheese is delicious, healthy, and generally a rather low-risk food as far as pathogens go. However, some cheeses can be a threat to  pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems due to illness, old age, or medical treatment.  But consumers can protect themselves if, before consuming or purchasing cheese, they pay attention to the type of cheese and the way it was processed.  Soft cheeses are more likely than hard ones to carry a possibly deadly bacterium, but that doesn’t mean that all soft cheeses are taboo for people in the high-risk categories.

How dangerous is a staph infection?

By Susan Brewer, Ph.D., University of Illinois,
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
 

What foods can give a person a staph infection?

By Susan Brewer, Ph.D., University of Illinois,
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
 

Syndicate content
 
 

You must be logged in to post a comment or question.

Sign In or Register for free.