Final answer:
The statement is true. It is true that young children, pregnant women, and the elderly are at greater risk for food-borne illness, mainly because of their more vulnerable immune systems. Foodborne illnesses can affect anyone and are not limited to non-vegetarian diets or commercial eating establishments. Proper food handling is essential to prevent contamination and the spread of foodborne diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
True. Young children, pregnant women, and the elderly are indeed among those at greatest risk for food-borne illness. This is due to the fact that these groups typically have weaker or developing immune systems or may have conditions that compromise their immune responses. Pregnant women have altered immune systems, young children have not fully developed their immunity, and older adults may have declining immune function. Furthermore, individuals with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, and those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, are also at increased risk.
It is important to note that the risk of foodborne illness is not completely eliminated simply by choosing any particular diet, such as a vegetarian one. Foodborne illnesses can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can contaminate fruits and vegetables as well. Proper food handling and sanitation practices are crucial for preventing these illnesses regardless of diet.
Additionally, foodborne disease is not only caused by eating at restaurants, but it can also result from contamination in the home. Myths such as the notion that foodborne illness is solely caused by spoiled or 'gone bad' food are misleading. Most cases are, in reality, a result of negligent food handling procedures, such as not washing hands adequately or cross-contaminating foods.