Which of the following foods would best support rapid bacterial growth under typical room-temperature conditions due to high moisture and nutrient availability?

• A. Dry crackers stored in a sealed package
• B. Beef jerky (dried meat)
• C. Cooked rice or pasta left at room temperature
• D. Granulated sugar

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the factors that influence bacterial growth, focusing on moisture content and nutrient availability, as bacteria require both to grow rapidly.
2. Step 2: Analyze each food option for moisture content: dry crackers and granulated sugar have very low moisture, beef jerky is dried meat with low moisture, while cooked rice or pasta contains high moisture.
3. Step 3: Consider nutrient availability: cooked rice or pasta provides carbohydrates and some proteins, which are good nutrients for bacteria, whereas dry crackers, sugar, and beef jerky have limited accessible nutrients due to their dryness or composition.
4. Step 4: Recognize that room temperature conditions favor bacterial growth if moisture and nutrients are sufficient, making cooked rice or pasta left at room temperature an ideal environment for rapid bacterial proliferation.
5. Step 5: Conclude that among the options, cooked rice or pasta left at room temperature best supports rapid bacterial growth due to its high moisture and nutrient content.