Final answer:
A foodborne infection occurs when a person eats food containing pathogens, which then grow in the intestines and cause illness.
Step-by-step explanation:
A foodborne infection occurs when a person eats food containing pathogens, which then grow in the intestines and cause illness. These pathogens can include bacteria, viruses, parasites, and prions. When ingested, these pathogens colonize the gut and produce toxins that damage host cells, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting.