Foodborne illness (also foodborne disease) is any illness resulting from the consumption of food. Foodborne illness is commonly called food poisoning, even though the physiological effects of foodborne illness are not always caused by poisons (toxins). True food poisoning occurs when a person ingests a contaminating chemical or a natural toxin, while most cases of foodborne illness are caused by a variety of foodborne pathogenic bacteria, viruses, prions or parasites that contaminate food. Such contamination usually arises from improper handling, preparation, or food storage. Good hygiene practices before, during, and after food preparation can reduce the chances of contracting an illness. The action of monitoring food to ensure that it will not cause foodborne illness is known as food safety. Foodborne disease can also be caused by a large variety of toxins that affect the environment. For foodborne illness caused by chemicals, see Food contaminants.Foodborne illness can also be caused by the presence of pesticides or medicines in food, or by unintentionally consuming naturally toxic substances like poisonous mushrooms or reef fish. Some could even come from the skin and nose, like staphylococcus aureus, which could lead to death.

In recent years, with the increased levels of mercury found in foods and in our environment, health care officials have been associating the effects of mercury poisoning to not only neurological disorders, but to other diseases as well.

Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning,it can also kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque.To date, the only negative side effect reported from drinking green tea is insomnia due to the fact that it contains caffeine.

Thanks to the hypnotic effect of the Hollywood smile, glow-in-the-dark pegs have migrated to the mainstream. But the widespread use of whitening toothpaste, mouthwash and home kits - products that often contain sodium hydroxide, considered a poison by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration - have worrying health and environmental implications.

Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich, who is a vegan, has been hospitalized with "severe" effects of apparent food poisoning.

What if we took all the things we hate in life and focused on their benefits? Utilized their powerful effects? Could something as hideous as food poisoning have potential to do good? Throw out your disgusting psyllium husk mixes, forget that $5,000 cleansing retreat you were heading off to...how 'bout a bit of contaminated Caesar's salad instead?