Requirements For Bacterial Growth

4. Requirements For Bacterial Growth:

1. Food
2. Temperature
3. Moisture
4. Time

1. Food:

High protein foods are preferred such as poultry, meat and dairy products. Foods which do not support the bacteria growth are those which containing high amount of sugar, salt and preservatives.

2. Temperature:

The best temperature for the growth of food poisoning bacteria is 37°C which is normal in human body. We must ensure that the food should be kept below 5°C and above 63°C. This temperature range is called temperature danger zone.

3. Moisture:

Food which do not have or have less amount of moisture do not provide the necessary conditions for bacterial growth however once water is added, bacteria's will start growing. So, it is important to use that product as soon as possible.

4. Time:

Given the right conditions of food temperature and moisture, some bacteria's can multiply into two, every ten minutes. The process of multiplication is known as Binary Fission.


High Risk Food:

Food that is at a greatest risk of microbial contamination is called high risk food.

For Example:

Major examples of high risk food are:

1. Poultry
2. Meat
3. Seafood
4. Prepared Salad
5. Smoked Fish
6. Dairy Products