The table shows the pH ranges that support the growth of different bacteria.



Bacteria pH range
Salmonella 3.6–9.5
Listeria monocytogenes 4.2–9.6
Escherichia coli 4.3–9.0

What happens to these organisms at a pH of 2.9?

a
Salmonella grows. Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli do not grow.
b
Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli do not grow.
c
Escherichia coli grows. Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella do not grow.
d
Listeria monocytogenes grows. Salmonella and Escherichia coli do not grow.

b) Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli do not grow at a pH of 2.9.

Based on the given information, none of the bacteria (Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli) would grow at a pH of 2.9. Therefore, the correct answer is option b: Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli do not grow.