Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Practice Exam

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What is the primary symptom caused by Bacillus cereus after consuming cooked rice?

  1. Diarrhea

  2. Vomiting

  3. Sore throat

  4. Jaundice

The correct answer is: Vomiting

Bacillus cereus is a type of bacterium that can cause foodborne illness, particularly associated with improperly stored cooked rice. The primary symptom linked to Bacillus cereus after consuming cooked rice is vomiting. This is primarily due to a specific toxin called cereulide, which is produced by the bacteria when rice is cooked, kept warm for extended periods, and then consumed. This toxin can provoke acute gastrointestinal disturbances, leading to nausea and vomiting shortly after ingestion. While other symptoms can arise from Bacillus cereus infections, such as diarrhea caused by different strains, vomiting is notably characterized by its rapid onset following the consumption of contaminated food. Recognizing these symptoms is critical for food safety and handling practices, particularly in food service environments where rice is a common dish.