What is a foodborne illness?
A foodborne illness occurs when harmful germs, such as bacteria, parasites, or viruses, contaminate the food that you eat, making you sick. These germs may get into food when it’s prepared, processed, or if it’s washed with contaminated water.
There are two ways that foodborne illnesses occur:
- Foodborne infection: Consuming food containing harmful germs, such as bacteria, viruses or parasites, can cause foodborne infections. Using a thermometer to ensure your food is heated to the temperature needed to kill any harmful germs in your food and avoiding cross-contamination can help protect you from foodborne infections.
- Foodborne intoxication: Consuming food contaminated with toxins produced by harmful germs can cause foodborne intoxication. This can happen when foods are not stored at the correct temperature. While cooking food can kill harmful germs, heat cannot destroy the toxins they’ve produced, which can make you sick.