AAA Food Manager Certification Practice Test

Which of the following is not one of the big 6 foodborne pathogens?

1. Salmonella

2. Clostridium Botulinum

3. E. coli

4. Listeria monocytogenes

The correct answer is: Clostridium Botulinum

Clostridium botulinum is indeed a serious foodborne pathogen, but it is not classified as one of the big 6 foodborne pathogens. The big 6 pathogens are those that are most frequently associated with foodborne illness outbreaks and are of significant concern in food safety. These include Salmonella, E. coli (specifically the strain E. coli O157:H7), Listeria monocytogenes, and a few others such as Norovirus and Hepatitis A. While Clostridium botulinum can cause severe illness through the production of botulinum toxin, it does not account for the same level of outbreaks or impact as those classified in the big 6. Understanding this distinction is vital for food safety practices, as the focus on the big 6 pathogens helps prioritize prevention strategies, monitoring, and regulatory measures to minimize risks associated with foodborne illnesses.