Other sources of bacteria

Having already talked about the two main sources of food poisoning bacteria – raw food and humans – now we can look at some other common sources.

• Flies and other insects
• Birds
• Rats and mice

All these pests carry bacteria in their bodies and in their urine and droppings. They can infect food and places where food is kept.

Pets are another source. They carry bacteria in and on their bodies and should not be allowed into food preparation areas.

Rubbish bins and waste also provide ideal conditions for bacteria to live and multiply. They are usually warm and moist and left undisturbed for enough time for bacteria to thrive.

This is Chapter Three, Part Four in a series of articles broadly similar to the course offered by the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health for its Food Hygiene Certificate.
Part Five: Hygiene control
Return to the start of Chapter Three