What are the four types of pathogens that have the potential to contaminate food and result in foodborne illness?

The four types of pathogens that have the potential to contaminate food and result in foodborne illness are bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi.
- Bacteria are the most common type of pathogen to cause foodborne illness. Some common examples of bacteria that can cause food poisoning include Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Campylobacter.
- Viruses are also a common cause of foodborne illness. Some common examples of viruses that can cause food poisoning include Norovirus, Hepatitis A, and Rotavirus.
- Parasites are less common than bacteria and viruses, but they can still cause serious foodborne illness. Some common examples of parasites that can cause food poisoning include Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spiralis.
- Fungi are also relatively rare causes of foodborne illness. Some common examples of fungi that can cause food poisoning include Aspergillus and Candida.