Which of the following is one of the four major causes of food poisoning?

• A. Not cooking food properly
• B. Eating at a festival
• C. Washing hands regularly
• D. Keeping food at the correct temperature

Answer: (A)

Not cooking food properly allows pathogens to survive, which is a primary way foodborne illness can occur. When food isn’t heated to a high enough internal temperature, bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, or E. coli can remain alive and multiply to dangerous levels, especially in poultry, eggs, ground meats, and other high-risk foods. This idea fits with the common HACCP framework that identifies inadequate cooking as one of the four major causes of food poisoning, alongside improper cooling, cross-contamination, and poor personal hygiene. The other options don’t fit as causes: eating at a festival is just a setting, washing hands regularly is a protective practice, and keeping food at the correct temperature is a control measure that prevents illness rather than causes it. To reduce risk, cook foods to safe internal temperatures and verify doneness with a thermometer.