Food intoxication results from consumption of toxins (or poisons) produced in food by bacterial growth. Toxins, not bacteria, cause illness. Toxins may not alter the appearance, odor or flavor of food. Common kinds of bacteria that produce toxins include
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Clostridium botulinum.
- Clostridium perfringens, illness is caused by toxins released in the gut when large numbers of vegetative cells are eaten.
