During a health symposium on food poisoning prevention, which statement indicates that a participant understands the teaching?

The statement that meat and cream-based foods need to be refrigerated demonstrates a clear understanding of food safety principles related to food poisoning prevention. This awareness reflects a knowledge of the requirements for keeping perishable items safe. Meat and cream-based products are highly susceptible to bacterial growth when left at unsafe temperatures, particularly above 40°F (4°C). Proper refrigeration slows down the growth of harmful bacteria, thus reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

The other statements do not align with safe food handling practices: stating that all foods can be left out at room temperature ignores the critical need for refrigeration for perishable items; attributing food poisoning primarily to spices misrepresents the actual causes, which typically involve improper handling of foods like meat and dairy; and suggesting that only cooked foods require refrigeration fails to recognize that raw foods also need to be kept at safe temperatures to prevent contamination. Overall, the correct answer reflects essential knowledge in food safety that aims to prevent food poisoning.