Foodborne illness is a health problem caused by consuming contaminated food. This lesson introduces its causes, common symptoms, and the processes that determine when illness begins and how severe it may be.
Foodborne illness, also called foodborne disease or food poisoning, results from eating food contaminated by disease-causing bacteria, viruses, parasites, prions, or harmful chemicals and toxins. Contaminants may harm the body directly, but many symptoms arise from the body's immune response to unfamiliar microbes. Responses can differ according to prior exposure and individual health.
All flashcards
What is foodborne illness?
An illness caused by consuming food contaminated with disease-causing microbes, prions, or harmful chemicals and toxins.
What is an incubation period?
The interval between consuming contaminated food and the onset of the first symptoms. It can range from hours to days or, rarely, much longer.
What is an infectious dose?
The amount of an infectious agent that must be consumed to cause illness. It varies by pathogen and by factors such as age and health.
Why do foodborne symptoms differ between people?
The cause and amount of contamination matter, as do a person's health, prior exposure, immune memory, and response to the agent.
How can microbes cause symptoms after passing the stomach?
Some remain and multiply in the intestine, produce toxins, or invade tissues.
Quiz questions
Which virus is described as a leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States?Answer: Norovirus
Why is rinsing uncooked chicken not recommended?Answer: Splashes can spread pathogens to nearby food and surfaces.
Which conditions can allow Clostridium botulinum to produce toxin in food?Answer: Low-acid food stored without oxygen under improper canning conditions.
In a case-control study of a foodborne outbreak, what do investigators compare?Answer: Foods eaten by ill people with foods eaten by healthy controls.
What is the main purpose of HACCP in food safety?Answer: Identify hazards and monitor steps that control them.
Based on the Wikipedia article Foodborne illness, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.