Question

In which of the following foods would Clostridium botulinum be MOST likely to flourish?

a) Raw honey
b) Pasteurized milk
c) Cooked vegetables
d) Roasted nuts

Answer 1

Clostridium botulinum is most likely to flourish in raw honey because it can contain the spores of this bacterium, and unlike pasteurized milk, cooked vegetables, or roasted nuts, it does not undergo a process that kills these spores.

Step-by-step explanation:

Clostridium botulinum is an anaerobic bacterium that produces one of the most potent toxins known, causing the severe illness botulism. Given the options of raw honey, pasteurized milk, cooked vegetables, and roasted nuts, Clostridium botulinum would be most likely to flourish in raw honey. Raw honey can contain the spores of this bacterium, which can be particularly harmful to infants under 12 months old, as their intestinal flora is not developed enough to fight off the bacteria. Moreover, honey does not undergo a process like pasteurization or high-heat cooking that would kill the spores of C. botulinum, unlike the other options listed. Hence, while honey is safe for older children and adults, it is advised against feeding it to infants.