The most common way microorganisms are transmitted to foods is by:

• A. contamination from packaging materials
• B. airborne transmission from ventilation systems
• C. improper handling by humans
• D. migration from soil through plant roots

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the problem, which is about the common routes of microbial transmission to foods.
2. Step 2: Review each option and consider how microorganisms typically come into contact with food in real-world scenarios.
3. Step 3: Recognize that contamination from packaging materials and airborne transmission can occur but are less frequent compared to direct human contact.
4. Step 4: Identify that improper handling by humans is the most common way microorganisms are transmitted to foods because humans can transfer microbes through touch, coughing, or poor hygiene.
5. Step 5: Conclude that migration from soil through plant roots is a less common route compared to human handling, reinforcing that improper handling by humans is the primary source of contamination.