Utah Food Safety Practice Test

What differentiates a food borne infection from a food borne intoxication?

1. Intoxication is caused by bacteria, infection is not

2. An infection is caused directly by bacteria, intoxication is caused by a toxin from bacteria

3. Intoxication affects the digestive system, infection affects the nervous system

4. Infection is immediate, intoxication takes time to develop

The correct answer is: An infection is caused directly by bacteria, intoxication is caused by a toxin from bacteria

The distinction between foodborne infections and foodborne intoxications lies in their underlying mechanisms of disease. A foodborne infection occurs when live pathogenic bacteria are ingested and subsequently multiply within the host’s body, leading to illness. This involves the bacteria themselves causing damage to the host’s tissues or inflammatory responses due to the immune system reacting to the infection. On the other hand, foodborne intoxication arises from the consumption of food that contains toxins produced by bacteria before ingestion. In this case, it is not the bacteria that induce illness directly, but rather the toxic substances they produce. For example, certain bacteria can produce toxins that can cause symptoms of illness quickly, often within hours, without requiring the bacteria to grow inside the person. Understanding this distinction helps redirect food safety practices—such as focusing on proper cooking temperatures to kill bacteria for preventing infections or ensuring food is stored properly to inhibit toxin production for preventing intoxications. This knowledge is essential for effective food safety management and educating the public about safe food handling practices.