Moisture

All bacteria require liquid to absorb nourishment; therefore moist, damp foods such as cream-based salads make the perfect host.

Bacteria have no means of locomotion; they must be carried from one place to another. Travel may be initiated by unwashed hands, coughs, sneezes, other foods, unsanitary equipment or utensils, or environmental factors such as air, water, insects, and rodents. Only sterilization will eliminate bacteria, so it is extremely important to understand a few simple rules that will help prevent bacterial contamination in the kitchen.