Final answer:
Foodborne illness, also known as food poisoning, results from eating food contaminated with harmful microorganisms, toxins, or foreign substances. Proper food safety practices can prevent most foodborne diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
A foodborne illness, often referred to as food poisoning, is the result of consuming food contaminated with various harmful agents. These agents include microorganisms like bacteria (such as Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni, E. coli, and Vibrio), viruses (like Norovirus), and parasites. Besides microorganisms, food can also be contaminated with toxins. Toxins may come from poisonous mushrooms, or improperly prepared beans, or could be naturally occurring in foods, such as aflatoxins in peanuts. Chemical contaminants like agrochemicals and environmental pollutants, along with physical adulteration by foreign bodies such as wood chips or insect parts, can also cause foodborne diseases. Prevention methods include proper food handling, cooking, and storage practices to reduce the risk of contamination. It's essential to emphasize the importance of personal hygiene, such as washing hands, to avoid the spread of these pathogens and protect against foodborne illnesses. These illnesses can lead to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, and in severe cases, can be life-threatening. Understanding the sources and prevention of foodborne disease is crucial for maintaining public health.