Foodborne IllnessQuestion 15 of 240
Which statement about shellfish toxins (such as paralytic shellfish poisoning) is correct?
a.They are destroyed by cooking to 145°F
b.They come from toxic algae the shellfish consume, are not destroyed by cooking, and are controlled by buying from approved sources and keeping shellstock tags
c.They only occur in freshwater snails
d.They are caused by poor handwashing by the server
Explanation
Shellfish toxins originate from toxic algae that molluscan shellfish filter and concentrate; these biotoxins are not destroyed by cooking or freezing. The control is purchasing shellfish only from approved, certified sources and keeping the shellstock identification tags for 90 days for traceback. Handwashing and cooking temperature do not address a toxin already present in the shellfish.
Law Reference: NYC Health Code Article 81Practice all 240 questions free — no signup required.
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