Rising foodborne illnesses and food poisoning cases among children in South Africa: a focus on vulnerable communities: Spatial Insights: Edition 14

Abstract

Foodborne illnesses (FBI) and food poisoning are related but distinct health concerns. Foodborne illness is a broad term that encompasses various diseases caused by contaminated food, which may occur at any point in the food production or handling process. These illnesses can arise from environmental contaminants, such as pollutants in water, soil, or air, as well as from improper food storage or handling practices, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Food poisoning, as a subset of foodborne illness, typically involves acute gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, often due to consuming food contaminated by harmful toxins or bacteria, usually associated with more localized and short-term contamination events.