Final answer:
If a retail food establishment unknowingly contaminates food with dangerous bacteria, customers can become sick and even die. Cooking the contaminated food may not destroy all the toxins created by the bacteria, and it is crucial to handle and store food properly to prevent bacterial contamination.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a retail food establishment unknowingly contaminates food with dangerous bacteria, the likely outcome is that customers who eat the food can become sick and even die (a). Bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli can cause severe foodborne illnesses and health complications. Cooking the contaminated food may not destroy all the toxins created by the bacteria (b), and it is crucial to handle and store food properly to prevent bacterial contamination. The regulatory authority may identify the contamination during routine testing (d), but it is important for food establishments to take proactive measures to prevent contamination in the first place.
Learn more about Food contamination with dangerous bacteria