What is bacteria?

Bacteria are extremely small organisms. It can be seen through microscope. Most bacteria are harmless but some cause food poisoning and food spoilage. Food poisoning bacteria are found everywhere. Common sources of bacteria are:

• Raw food
• Raw water
• People
• Insect
• Rodents
• Pets
• Waste food
• Soil
• Air

Key Facts

Food contaminated with food poisoning bacteria may look, taste and smell completely normal.

Common Types of Food Poisoning Bacteria

• Salmonella group
• Staphylococus aureus
• Escherichia coli enteropathogenic
• Baccilus cereus
• Vibrio parahaemolyticus
• Campylobacter[/02]