Final answer:
Annually, approximately 48 million people in the U.S. experience foodborne illnesses, primarily due to infections from various pathogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Each year in the United States, millions of people get sick from foodborne illnesses. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 48 million people suffer from a foodborne illness annually, with more than 250 foodborne diseases identified. These illnesses are predominantly infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. However, toxins and chemicals can also contaminate food and cause illness. Despite the high prevalence, the majority of cases are sporadic and do not stem from recognized outbreaks.