Differentiate between Food infection and Food intoxication.

Question 16:Differentiate between Food infection and Food intoxication.

The correct answer is -Food infection and food intoxication are two types of foodborne illnesses caused by consuming contaminated food. The main difference between the two is the way they are caused and the symptoms they produce.

1. Food infection: Food infection is caused by eating food that contains harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites. These microorganisms enter the body and start to grow in the gastrointestinal tract, causing an infection. Symptoms of food infection usually start within a few hours to a few days after consuming contaminated food and may include diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

2. Food intoxication: Food intoxication is caused by eating food that contains harmful toxins produced by certain types of bacteria, such as Clostridium botulinum, Staphylococcus aureus, or Bacillus cereus. These toxins enter the body and cause symptoms within a few hours of consuming the contaminated food. Symptoms of food intoxication may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.

In summary, food infection is caused by consuming food contaminated with harmful microorganisms, while food intoxication is caused by consuming food that contains harmful toxins produced by certain types of bacteria. The symptoms of food infection and food intoxication may be similar, but the onset of symptoms and the specific symptoms experienced may differ depending on the type of illness.