Food and Nutrition

Food-borne Diseases

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Food borne illness is any illness resulting from the food spoilage of contaminated food, pathogenicbacteria, viruses, or parasites that contaminate food, as well as chemical or natural toxins. Food borne illness usually arises from improper handling, preparation, or food storage. Good hygiene practices before, during, and after food preparation can reduce the chances of contracting an illness. There is a consensus in the public health community that regular hand washing is one of the most effective defenses against the spread of foodborne illness. The action of monitoring food to ensure that it will not cause food borne illness is known as food safety. Food borne disease can also be caused by a large variety of toxins that affect the environment. Foodborne illness can also be caused by pesticides or medicines in food and naturally toxic substances such as poisonous mushrooms or reef fish.