Which food is a common source of Salmonella illness?

• A. Seeded Vegetables (i.e. tomatoes)
• B. Chicken
• C. Pork
• D. Fruit

Answer: (B)

Salmonella illness is most strongly linked to poultry because these bacteria commonly inhabit the intestinal tracts of birds and can contaminate meat during slaughter and processing. Poultry is frequently involved in outbreaks, especially when chicken is undercooked or when raw poultry touches other foods, utensils, or surfaces. Cooking chicken to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) destroys Salmonella, and careful kitchen hygiene—separating raw poultry from other foods and preventing cross-contamination—reduces risk even further. While produce and pork can be contaminated, poultry remains the more common source in many illness cases, making it the best answer here.