Contamination is most often caused by human contact with hands (raw and cooked foods) and it can be controlled by hand sanitation and the use of disposable gloves. Staphylococcus aureus is very resistive to drying and in the presence of oxygen (aerobic conditions-surface area) can survive at water levels down to 0.86. Without oxygen (anaerobic conditions) it will not grow below Aw 0.90. At 15.6º C (60º F) it starts to grow rapidly. It can withstand up to 15% salt. Temperature control is the best way to minimize the growth of S. aureus and development of its toxin as it can be killed by mild heat. At >15.6º C (60º F) it starts to grow significantly. A rapid drop to pH