What does parasites need to grow?

The six conditions in which pathogens need to grow are as follows: FAT TOM

Food: to grow pathogens need an energy source. Carbohydrates, such as baked potatoes, and proteins, such as beef are some examples.

Acidity: Pathogens grow best in food that contains little or no acid. An example of food with a lot of acid is lemons. Food items with little acid include chicken and cooked corn.

Temperature: Pathogens grow well in food that as a temperature between 41 degrees Fahrenheit and 135 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is known as the temperature danger zone.

Time: Pathogens need time to grow. When food is in the temperature danger zone, pathogens grow. After four hours, they will grow to levels high enough to make someone sick.

Oxygen: Some pathogens need oxygen to grow. Others grow when oxygen isn't there. For example, some pathogens that grow without oxygen would grow quickly in cooked rice.

Moisture: Pathogens need moisture in food to grow. For example, tomatoes and melons have a large amount of water in them, which means they can easily support the growth of pathogens.