Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Exam with mock tests, flashcards, and multiple choice questions. Enhance your knowledge with detailed explanations and get ready for success!

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What is the name of the fish toxin that originates from histamine-producing bacteria?

  1. Scombrotoxin

  2. Ciguatoxin

  3. Tetrodotoxin

  4. Shellfish toxin

The correct answer is: Scombrotoxin

Scombrotoxin is the correct response, as it refers specifically to the type of toxin associated with certain species of fish, particularly those belonging to the Scombridae family, such as tuna and mackerel. This toxin is formed when fish flesh that has not been properly stored after being caught begins to degrade, allowing histamine-producing bacteria to proliferate. As these bacteria convert histidine, a naturally occurring amino acid in fish, into histamine, consuming contaminated fish can lead to scombroid poisoning, which presents with allergy-like symptoms. The other choices represent different kinds of toxins. Ciguatoxin is linked to fish that consume certain dinoflagellates and is found in reef fish, leading to ciguatera fish poisoning. Tetrodotoxin is a potent neurotoxin found in pufferfish and some other marine organisms, often leading to fatal outcomes when ingested. Shellfish toxin typically refers to a variety of toxins produced by harmful algal blooms that can accumulate in shellfish, leading to various forms of shellfish poisoning. Each of these toxins has a distinct origin and health impact, distinguishing them from scombrotoxin, which is directly tied to the improper handling of specific fish.