Starbucks Food Safety Practice Exam

Can viruses reproduce in food?

1. No, they need another organism to reproduce

2. Yes, they can replicate inside food

3. Yes, but only in certain conditions

4. No, they only use food as a means to get inside the human body

The correct answer is: No, they only use food as a means to get inside the human body

The correct choice highlights that viruses do not reproduce in food; rather, they utilize food as a vehicle to enter the human body. Viruses are unique in that they lack the cellular machinery necessary for self-replication. Instead, they depend on living host cells to replicate and propagate. Food can act as a medium for viruses to attach and subsequently enter the host when consumed, making it a potential source of viral transmission. This is a crucial aspect of food safety, as preventing contamination of food with viruses helps to minimize the risk of illness. In contrast, while other pathogens like bacteria can reproduce in food under favorable conditions, viruses do not have that capability. They remain inactive in food until ingested, emphasizing the importance of handling food safely to prevent any potential viral contamination.