Michigan Food Safety Management Practice Test

Which type of disease occurs from toxins created by bacteria present in the food consumed?

1. Foodborne infection

2. Foodborne intoxication

3. Foodborne illness

4. Food allergy

The correct answer is: Foodborne intoxication

Foodborne intoxication occurs when toxins that are produced by bacteria, rather than the bacteria themselves, are consumed through food. In this scenario, the bacteria may have contaminated the food and released toxins prior to consumption, leading to illness. This can happen even if the bacteria are no longer present in the food, as the toxins they produced can still cause health issues once ingested. For example, staphylococcal aureus is a common bacterium that can produce toxins in food, and when these toxins are consumed, they can trigger symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Understanding the distinction between foodborne intoxication and other types of foodborne diseases, such as foodborne infections, is critical for effective management and prevention strategies in food safety. Foodborne infections occur when the actual bacteria are ingested and multiply in the host's body, leading to illness. Foodborne illness is a broader term that encompasses both infections and intoxications as well as other food-related diseases. Food allergies involve an immune response to certain proteins in food, which is a different mechanism entirely and is not related to bacterial toxins.