Answer to Question 1
A foodborne infection is caused by the ingestion of a pathogenic microbe and its subsequent growth within the body. For example, the Salmonella bacterium enters the small intestine, invades the walls of the small intestine, and causes an intense dysentery illness.
A food intoxication is caused by the ingestion of a preformed toxin that is secreted by a living pathogenic microorganism. Clostridium botulinum produces a toxin that can cause paralysis. If someone ingests the bacteria before it produces toxin, they may not get sick, but if they ingest the toxin, they will get very ill. Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium associated with skin infections, can also produce a toxin that cause food poisoning as well. See Table 12-2 for more examples of foodborne infections and intoxications.
Answer to Question 2
b