Bacteria and viruses can be seen under an intense light known as "candling".

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Prepare for the New York City Food Handlers Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The statement is false because bacteria and viruses are typically not visible through simple candling, which is a technique usually employed to examine the contents of eggs or other translucent materials by shining a light through them. This method is effective for viewing larger structures, but bacteria and viruses are much smaller than what can be observed with just light.

To visualize these microorganisms, electron microscopes are required due to their extremely tiny size, often measured in nanometers. Candling does not provide the magnification necessary to observe bacteria or viruses, which is why it's important to rely on laboratory techniques that are specifically designed for detecting and studying these pathogens at a microscopic level. This knowledge is crucial for food handlers, as understanding the visibility and detection methods for microorganisms plays a significant role in food safety practices.