Which of the following best describes how killing microbes affects food intoxication:
a. The toxin will be destroyed
b. Microbes cannot be killed
c. The microbes release digestive enzymes
d. The toxin remains present and can still cause illness
The best answer to the question is (d) The toxin remains present and can still cause illness.
Now, let me explain how to arrive at this answer.
Food intoxication refers to illnesses that occur when food containing toxins produced by microbes is consumed. This happens when microbes, such as bacteria or fungi, produce toxins that can cause illness in humans.
When it comes to killing microbes, it is important to understand that their toxins and the microbes themselves are separate entities. Killing microbes does not necessarily mean that their toxins will be destroyed.
Microbes can be killed through various methods, such as cooking, pasteurization, or using antimicrobial agents like disinfectants or antibiotics. However, even if the microbes are killed, the toxins they have already produced may still be present in the food. These toxins can remain stable and can cause illness even after the microbes have been killed.
Therefore, it is crucial to handle and store food properly, and to ensure that food is cooked thoroughly to destroy any potential toxins that may be present. Simply killing the microbes might not be enough to eliminate the risk of food intoxication if the toxins they have produced are heat-stable or resistant to other forms of elimination.