Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Practice Exam

Which of the following describes the type of foodborne illness caused by Clostridium botulinum?

1. Infection

2. Intoxication

3. Allergy

4. Contamination

The correct answer is: Intoxication

The type of foodborne illness caused by Clostridium botulinum is correctly identified as intoxication. This bacterium produces a potent toxin that, when ingested, leads to illness. In this case, the illness occurs not due to the bacterial growth itself in the human body (as seen in infections), but rather from the toxic substance the bacteria produce prior to consumption. When food containing the botulinum toxin is eaten, it can cause severe neurological symptoms, which is characteristic of an intoxication scenario rather than an infection. An infection typically involves the ingestion of live pathogens that subsequently multiply and cause illness in the host, which is not the case with Clostridium botulinum. Therefore, understanding the distinction between intoxication and infection is crucial for food safety and public health, specifically regarding the prevention of botulism.