Certified Cheese Professional Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT one of the foodborne illnesses involving dairy from the past 20 years?

1. Salmonella enterica

2. Escherichia coli

3. Clostridium botulinum

4. Listeria monocytogenes

The correct answer is: Clostridium botulinum

Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that produces a potent toxin leading to botulism, which is primarily associated with improperly canned or preserved foods rather than dairy products. While this organism is indeed a serious concern regarding food safety, especially in the context of home-canned goods and certain processed foods, it is not typically linked to dairy-related foodborne illnesses in the same way the other options are. In contrast, Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes have all been documented as causes of foodborne illness outbreaks linked to dairy products. For example, Salmonella can be found in raw milk and can contaminate dairy products during processing. E. coli, particularly strains like O157:H7, can also be involved in outbreaks from contaminated milk or cheese. Listeria is known for its association with soft cheeses and unpasteurized dairy products, posing a significant risk, especially to pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. This distinction highlights why Clostridium botulinum is the correct answer, as it is not typically associated with dairy-related foodborne illnesses over the past two decades.