• Any of several acute conditions ranging from mild to life-threatening that result from eating food containing toxins or pathogenic microorganisms.
  CRISP Thesaurus
  National Institutes of Health, 2006
• (foodborne illness) Any disorder that results from the consumption of food contaminated with an infectious agent or toxin.
  NCI
  U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
• Food poisoning results from eating a plant or animal that contains a toxin. The poisoning occurs after ingesting poisonous species of mushrooms or plants or contaminated fish or shellfish.
  Merck Manuals
  Merck & Co., Inc., 2025
• Food poisoning is defined as an illness caused by the consumption of food or water contaminated with bacteria and/or their toxins, or with parasites, viruses, or chemicals. The most common pathogens are Norovirus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter, and Staphylococcus aureus.
  Medscape
  WebMD, 2025
• Food poisoning, also called foodborne illness, is illness caused by eating contaminated food. Infectious organisms - including bacteria, viruses and parasites - or their toxins are the most common causes of food poisoning.
  Mayo Clinic
  Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2025
• Food poisoning is illness caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with bacteria and/or their toxins, viruses, parasites, or chemicals. Contamination usually arises from improper handling, preparation, or storage of food or drinks.
  Epocrates
  Athenahealth, Inc., 2019
• Food poisoning, acute gastrointestinal illness resulting from the consumption of foods containing one or more representatives of three main groups of harmful agents: natural poisons present in certain plants and animals, chemical poisons, and microorganisms (mainly bacteria) and their toxic...
  Encyclopedia Britannica
  Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025