AAA Food Manager Certification Practice Test

Which parasite is commonly linked to foodborne illnesses caused by undercooked pork?

1. Giardia

2. Trichinella

3. Ascaris

4. Toxoplasma

The correct answer is: Trichinella

Trichinella is the correct answer because it is a parasitic worm specifically associated with foodborne illnesses that occur as a result of consuming undercooked pork. When pork infected with Trichinella larvae is not cooked to the appropriate temperature, the larvae can survive and mature in the human intestines, leading to a condition known as trichinosis. Symptoms of trichinosis can include gastrointestinal issues, muscle pain, fever, and other systemic symptoms, depending on the severity of the infection. This parasite is particularly notable when discussing food safety because it highlights the importance of proper cooking techniques and temperature control in eliminating the risk of foodborne illnesses related to meat consumption. Cooking pork to safe internal temperatures is key to ensuring that any potential Trichinella larvae present are killed, thereby preventing infection. The other parasites mentioned are linked to different foodborne illnesses or transmission routes. For instance, Giardia primarily spreads through contaminated water, while Ascaris is a type of roundworm that can be transmitted through contaminated food and soil but is not specifically associated with pork. Toxoplasma is mainly related to undercooked meat, including lamb and venison, as well as contaminated water and soil, but it is not predominantly linked to underc