Which food has the highest acceptable plate count of E. coli?

Uncooked ground beef has the highest acceptable plate count of E. coli because it is one of the foods most commonly associated with the presence of this bacterium. E. coli is often found in the intestines of cattle, and during the butchering process, it can contaminate the surface of the meat. Ground beef is particularly susceptible since it is produced by grinding together various pieces of meat, which can mix and spread any contamination throughout the product.

In comparison, other foods listed tend to have stricter limits due to different types of bacteria commonly associated with them, or stricter safety standards in place for those items. For instance, cooked or smoked meat already undergoes processes that significantly reduce bacterial counts, making the acceptable levels much lower. Uncooked chicken and uncooked fish also have strict microbiological standards due to their association with serious foodborne pathogens. Thus, it is critical for food safety standards to maintain higher acceptable plate counts in ground beef, reflecting its typical levels of E. coli while ensuring that best practices in handling and cooking can mitigate the risks associated with consumption.