Ace the CPFM Challenge 2026 – Whisk Your Way to Food Safety Mastery!

Undercooked pork and wild game are the primary food sources associated with contamination by Trichinosis, a parasitic infection caused by eating larvae of the Trichinella species. The lifecycle of Trichinella begins when animals, such as pigs or wild game like bears and boars, consume feed contaminated with the parasites or infected carcasses. If these meats are inadequately cooked, the larvae can survive and subsequently infect humans who consume the contaminated flesh.

This highlights the importance of thoroughly cooking pork and wild game to an internal temperature that is sufficient to kill any potential Trichinella larvae, which is typically at least 145°F (63°C) followed by a resting period. The other food sources listed, such as raw fish, shellfish, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and processed meats, are not commonly linked with Trichinosis. Instead, they may be associated with other types of foodborne illnesses, reinforcing the need for specific food safety practices related to each potential hazard.