Final answer:
Bacteria that prefer human food are often mesophiles and grow best in temperatures between 20°C and 45°C, with many pathogenic bacteria having an optimal growth temperature of 37°C, which is the human body temperature.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bacteria that prefer human food typically fall within a group called mesophiles, which are adept at growing in moderate temperatures. These organisms thrive at temperatures ranging from 20°C to about 45°C. Specifically, many bacteria that are pathogenic to humans have an optimal growth temperature at body temperature, which is approximately 37°C (98.6°F). This is also the optimal temperature for the human microbiota such as E. coli, Salmonella spp., and Lactobacillus spp. However, it's important to note that if food is stored in conditions where temperature control fails, especially within the range of about 4°C to 60°C (40°F to 140°F), the rapid multiplication of these bacteria can make the food unsafe to eat. Therefore, proper temperature control is essential in inhibiting the growth of bacteria on food.