Foodborne Illness & Contamination

A disease transmitted to people by food, caused by eating food contaminated with harmful microorganisms, chemicals, or physical objects.

An incident in which two or more people experience the same illness after eating the same food, confirmed by an investigation and laboratory analysis.

Biological, chemical, and physical contaminants, plus deliberate (intentional) contamination.

Contamination caused by living microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, or by toxins they or certain plants and animals produce.

Bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi.

A microorganism that causes illness; pathogens are the greatest biological threat to food safety.