Final answer:
S. aureus is transmitted through ingestion by consuming foods contaminated with its enterotoxins, often due to poor hygiene during food preparation or incorrect food storage temperatures.
Step-by-step explanation:
S. aureus transmits through ingestion by way of contaminated food. The bacteria produce enterotoxins, which cause symptoms of staphylococcal food poisoning such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contamination can occur when food handlers who carry the bacteria, particularly those who are chronic nasal carriers, do not follow proper hygiene while preparing food. Foods left at a temperature that allows the bacteria to grow, which is below 60 °C or 140 °F, are especially at risk. Ingestion of raw or undercooked meat or dairy products contaminated with the bacteria leads to these toxins being ingested, this often results from the food being improperly stored or handled.