Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Practice Exam

Which microorganism can be present in raw vegetables due to soil contamination?

1. Staphylococcus aureus

2. E. coli 0157:H7

3. Listeria monocytogenes

4. Clostridium botulinum

The correct answer is: Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can indeed be present in raw vegetables due to soil contamination. This organism is often associated with environments where it can thrive, including soil and water, which can allow it to contaminate a variety of agricultural products. When vegetables are grown in soil that is contaminated with Listeria, they can easily become a vehicle for this pathogen, especially since Listeria can survive and multiply in cold temperatures, making it a concern for both raw and processed foods. Understanding the context of food safety is crucial here; Listeria poses a significant risk because it can cause severe illness, particularly in vulnerable populations like pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Knowing that raw vegetables can serve as a medium for this pathogen emphasizes the importance of proper washing and handling procedures to mitigate the risk of foodborne illness. In contrast, while other microorganisms listed may also be present in raw vegetables under certain conditions, they are not primarily associated with soil as a contamination source in the same way that Listeria can be. Staphylococcus aureus is more related to human contamination; E. coli O157:H7 often links to fecal contamination from animals; and Clostridium botulin