Final answer:
The essential control measure to prevent the spread of foodborne illness via the fecal-oral route is regular handwashing, which includes washing hands before handling food and ensuring proper food safety practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regular handwashing is the key control measure essential to prevent the spread of foodborne illness via the fecal-oral route. It is crucial to wash hands before and after handling or preparing food, as well as before eating. Using food safety practices at home is vital, such as rotating food in the pantry to use older items first, ensuring that foods are not expired before consumption, and rinsing fresh produce before eating.
Moreover, achieving an internal temperature of 74 degrees C (165 degrees F) while cooking can kill many bacteria present in food, which is why using a cooking thermometer is recommended. In addition to handwashing, it's important to regularly clean fomites, inanimate objects like doorknobs and toys that may transfer microbes.