Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Exam with detailed questions, hints, and explanations. Master food safety knowledge and excel in your exam!

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What does "spp" refer to after the name Shigella?

Subspecies of bacteria
Multiple species of the bacteria
A specific strain of bacteria
Single species identified

The correct answer is: Multiple species of the bacteria

The term "spp" is an abbreviation for "species pluralis," indicating that there are multiple species within the genus. In the case of Shigella, the "spp" after its name signifies that the reference is not to a single species but rather to several species that fall under the Shigella genus. This is important in food safety and microbiology because different species may have varying pathogenicity, characteristics, and treatment protocols, which can direct how health and safety regulations are applied in food environments. Understanding the encompasses this abbreviation can aid in recognizing the broader significance and implications of bacterial classifications in food safety.