Question

The nurse teaches senior citizens at a community center how to prevent food poisoning at social events. Which community member statement reflects accurate understanding?

a. Pasteurized juices and milk are safe to drink.
b. Alfalfa sprouts are safe if rinsed before eating.
c. Fresh fruits do not need to be washed before eating.
d. Ground beef is safe to eat if cooked until it is brown.

Answer 1

The correct statement is that pasteurized juices and milk are safe to drink. It is important to wash fruits and ensure that ground beef reaches 74°C (165°F) for safety. Regular handwashing and using a thermometer to check food temperatures are critical food safety practices.

Step-by-step explanation:

The accurate statement reflecting understanding of how to prevent food poisoning at social events among the options given is: a. Pasteurized juices and milk are safe to drink. Pasteurization is a process that kills harmful bacteria by heating the beverage to a specific temperature for a set period. Consuming pasteurized products can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illness. On the contrary, b. Alfalfa sprouts are not necessarily safe even if rinsed because they can harbor bacteria internally. c. Fresh fruits do need to be washed before eating to remove potential contaminants. Finally, d. Ground beef is only safe to eat if it has reached an internal temperature of at least 74 degrees C (165 degrees F), regardless of its color.

To further ensure food safety, it's vital to practice regular handwashing before handling food and to use food items before their expiration dates, especially perishable items like meats and dairy products. For additional protection, a cooking thermometer should be used to verify that food has reached a safe temperature, as color is not a reliable indicator of doneness.