Food Manager Practice Exam

Scombroid poisoning is primarily caused by the presence of histamine toxins, which occur when certain types of fish, such as tuna and mackerel, are not properly stored or handled, leading to the breakdown of histidine into histamine by bacteria. This toxin is particularly problematic because it can cause allergic-like reactions in those who consume affected fish, resulting in symptoms such as rashes, tingling sensations, and gastrointestinal distress.

In this case, the correct response highlights the specific type of toxin responsible for scombroid poisoning, which distinguishes it from other foodborne illnesses. While bacterial toxins may be involved in various food safety issues, they do not directly cause scombroid poisoning in the same way that histamine does. Parasitic infections and heavy metal contamination are unrelated to this type of poisoning, as they involve different pathogens or contaminants and present different symptoms. Understanding the specific mechanism of scombroid poisoning is crucial for effective prevention and response measures in food safety management.