Which of the following foodborne pathogens is most commonly associated with contamination from undercooked chicken?

• A. Salmonella enterica
• B. Vibrio cholerae
• C. Escherichia coli O157:H7
• D. Listeria monocytogenes

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the question, which asks about foodborne pathogens commonly linked to undercooked chicken. This involves knowing the typical sources and transmission routes of each pathogen listed.
2. Step 2: Review the characteristics and common reservoirs of each pathogen: Salmonella enterica is often found in poultry; Vibrio cholerae is primarily associated with contaminated water and seafood; Escherichia coli O157:H7 is commonly linked to undercooked ground beef and contaminated produce; Listeria monocytogenes is usually associated with ready-to-eat deli meats and unpasteurized dairy products.
3. Step 3: Identify which pathogen is most frequently linked to undercooked chicken by focusing on the natural habitat and contamination routes of Salmonella enterica, which is known to colonize the intestines of poultry and contaminate meat during processing.
4. Step 4: Compare the likelihood of each pathogen contaminating undercooked chicken based on epidemiological data and common food safety knowledge, noting that Salmonella enterica is the primary concern in this context.
5. Step 5: Conclude that Salmonella enterica is the most commonly associated pathogen with undercooked chicken, based on its prevalence in poultry and its role in foodborne illness outbreaks linked to chicken consumption.