Which of the following is NOT a spore-forming bacteria that cause illness?

Escherichia coli, unlike the other bacteria listed, does not form spores. Spores are a survival mechanism that certain bacteria use to withstand extreme environmental conditions, and both Bacillus cereus and the Clostridium species (botulinum and perfringens) are well-known for their ability to produce spores that can thrive in adverse conditions, making them particularly significant in food safety discussions.

E. coli is primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water and can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. It operates primarily in its vegetative state under favorable conditions for growth and is not associated with spore formation. This distinction is important in food safety as spore-forming bacteria present unique challenges in terms of control and prevention, due to their ability to survive cooking and other sanitization processes.