In response to starvation, bacteria may be stressed and develop mechan
ism to remain viable. By enhancing rates of macromolecular degradation
and protein synthesis, they can enhance resistance to others stresses
like heat shock. Moreover, starved bacteria can enter a viable but no
n culturable state. Then, they fail to grow on selective media under l
aboratory conditions. They can be present in food and stay able to ini
tiate humans' illness. These bacteria are feared by hygienists but are
uneasy to detect in food.