Final answer:
Foodborne illnesses are infections or intoxications caused by pathogens or toxins in contaminated food or water. The top five germs causing illnesses from food eaten in the United States are Norovirus, Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter, and Staphylococcus aureus (Staph). Proper cooking of food and handwashing can help prevent bacterial illnesses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Foodborne illness refers to infections or intoxications that originate with pathogens or toxins ingested in contaminated food or water. The US CDC estimates that each year 48 million people get sick from a foodborne illness, with the top five germs causing illnesses from food eaten in the United States being Norovirus, Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter, and Staphylococcus aureus (Staph). Bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni, E. coli, Vibrio, and Listeria are common causes of foodborne illnesses. Proper cooking of food and handwashing can help prevent these bacterial illnesses.