Texas Food Managers Certification Practice Exam

Which food is commonly associated with scombroid poisoning?

1. Mushrooms

2. Tuna fish

3. Potatoes

4. Chicken

The correct answer is: Tuna fish

Scombroid poisoning is primarily associated with the consumption of certain types of fish, particularly those that are high in histidine, such as tuna. When these fish are not stored properly after being caught, bacteria can convert histidine into histamine, leading to poisoning when ingested. Symptoms of scombroid poisoning typically include flushing, headaches, and gastrointestinal distress, which usually occur shortly after eating the affected fish. While mushrooms, potatoes, and chicken can also lead to foodborne illnesses, they are linked to different types of toxins or pathogens and are not associated with scombroid poisoning. Tuna fish stands out as the primary food linked to this specific type of poisoning due to its biochemical properties and the common mishandling that can occur during storage and preparation. This emphasizes the importance of proper handling and storage of fish to prevent histamine formation, making tuna the correct association for scombroid poisoning.