Ground meat is often contaminated with microbes because

Question

Multiple select question.

the high concentration of pathogens in the interior of the meat is spread to the surface.

the grinding process mixes in pathogens from the surface throughout the meat.

the grinding process increases the surface area.

Answer 1

Ground meat is often contaminated with microbes because:

• the grinding process mixes in pathogens from the surface throughout the meat.
• the grinding process increases the surface area.

Both options are correct as grinding meat can spread surface contaminants throughout the product and increases the total surface area where bacteria can grow. The first option about high concentrations of pathogens in the interior is misleading since typically, pathogens are more often found on the surface rather than inside intact pieces of meat.