What defines a foodborne illness?

A foodborne illness is primarily defined as a disease that arises from consuming contaminated food. This can happen due to the presence of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites in the food, as well as toxins that may have been produced by these microorganisms or may be naturally occurring in certain foods. The core focus is on the transmission of illness through foodborne pathogens, which can lead to a variety of symptoms and health issues.

Looking at the other choices, a reaction to spoiled food typically involves symptoms like nausea or vomiting but does not always constitute a foodborne illness, as it does not necessarily involve pathogenic contamination. An allergy to certain food items, while potentially severe, is an immune response to specific proteins rather than a disease caused by consuming contaminated food. Additionally, a disease caused by overeating may lead to discomfort or health issues but is not classified as a foodborne illness, since it doesn't relate to pathogens or food contamination. Thus, the definition that highlights contamination as the root cause encapsulates the essential components of foodborne illness effectively.