In the question below is given a statement followed by two options numbered 1 and 2. Based on this choose the correct option. Statement: Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) is transmitted to humans primarily through consumption of contaminated foods like raw or undercooked ground meat products, raw milk, and contaminated raw vegetables and sprouts. Option 1: STEC can grow in temperatures ranging from 45 °C to 65 °C, with an optimum temperature of 55 °C. Option 2: Some STEC can grow in acidic foods, down to a pH of 4.4, and in foods with a minimum water activity (a_w) of 0.95.
Options:

Correct option is B

The statement is correct. STEC, including the dangerous E. coli O157:H7 strain, is transmitted through contaminated food products, particularly:
Raw or undercooked ground meat,
Unpasteurized milk,
Raw vegetables and sprouts.
Now evaluating the options:
Option 1 is incorrect: STEC is a mesophilic organism, typically growing between 7 °C and 50 °C, with an optimum around 37 °C (human body temperature). The range of 45 °C to 65 °C with optimum at 55 °C is characteristic of thermophilic bacteria, not E. coli.
Option 2 is correct: Some strains of STEC can tolerate and even grow in acidic environments, down to pH 4.4, and in foods with a minimum water activity (a_w) of 0.95. This resilience makes them a concern in acidified foods and products with lower moisture, like fermented or vacuum-packed items.
Therefore, only Option 2 is correct, making the right choice Option (b).