Answer :
Final answer:
The salmonellosis outbreak in a carrot salad was most likely due to cross-contamination from raw chicken to the salad on a shared preparation surface.
Explanation:
The most probable reason for the salmonellosis outbreak linked to a carrot salad is cross-contamination of bacteria from the raw chicken to the carrot salad. This type of contamination occurs when harmful microbes are transferred from one food, particularly raw foods such as poultry that often contain bacteria like Salmonella, to another.
The salad was prepared on a surface that was used for cutting raw chicken, and if that surface hadn't been properly cleaned before being used for the carrot salad, Salmonella bacteria could have easily transferred to the salad.
This incident demonstrates the crucial importance of separating surfaces used for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination. In addition, hands, utensils, and equipment should be thoroughly washed after handling raw foods.
Salmonella survival is reduced with high temperatures; thus, cooking foods thoroughly can help prevent the spread of bacteria. However, since carrot salad is typically served raw, the focus must be on preventing contamination from the start.
