foodborne illness is an illness caused by

Foodborne illness is an illness caused by eating or drinking food or liquids contaminated with harmful agents such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins, or chemicals. Common microbial causes include bacteria like Campylobacter, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Listeria; viruses such as norovirus and hepatitis A; and parasites including Giardia and Toxoplasma. Additionally, toxins produced by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and chemicals like pesticides can also lead to foodborne illness. These illnesses typically result from contamination occurring at any stage of food production, processing, or handling, especially when proper hygiene and safe food storage or cooking practices are not followed.