Michigan Food Safety Management Practice Test

Which symptom is least likely to be associated with foodborne illnesses?

1. Abdominal pain

2. Drowsiness

3. Diarrhea

4. Vomiting

The correct answer is: Drowsiness

Drowsiness is least likely associated with foodborne illnesses when compared to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, which are more directly related to gastrointestinal distress caused by contaminated food. Foodborne illnesses typically manifest through symptoms that affect the digestive system, with abdominal pain resulting from inflammation or irritation in the gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea is a common symptom due to the body's efforts to expel pathogens, while vomiting serves a similar purpose—helping to rid the body of harmful substances. While drowsiness can be a result of many factors including dehydration, malaise, or the body's immune response to illness, it is not a direct symptom of the gastrointestinal distress characteristic of foodborne illnesses. The acute nature of foodborne illness symptoms revolves around the digestive system rather than systemic symptoms such as drowsiness, making it the least likely symptom in this context.