Question

Which illness can be contracted from leaving a bottle of olive oil infused with garlic or herbs unrefrigerated?
Responses

E. coli infection

E. coli infection

gastroenteritis

gastroenteritis

botulism

botulism

salmonellosis

Answer 1

Leaving a bottle of olive oil infused with garlic or herbs unrefrigerated can pose a risk for botulism. This is particularly true if the infused oil is stored improperly, as the anaerobic environment (lack of oxygen) can allow the bacteria Clostridium botulinum to grow and produce toxins. It is recommended to refrigerate infused oils to minimize this risk.

While E. coli, gastroenteritis, and salmonellosis are associated with various foodborne pathogens, botulism is the primary concern specifically related to improperly stored infused oils.