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.

Have you purchased some food at the supermarket that made you ill? If so you should know that you have protections under the law and can recover monetary damages for your suffering.

The law firm of Milberg Weiss & Bershad LLP announces the filing of a nationwide class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of "cuts and gravy" style cat and dog food recalled by Menu Foods Income Fund ("Menu Foods") based in Ontario, Canada.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration never tested fluoride ingestion for safety or efficacy. Sodium fluoride was on the market as a rat poison before safety and efficacy laws were enacted. The back of fluoridated toothpaste tubes have FDA "do not swallow" poison warnings. Bottled fluoride water and supplements should say "take at your own risk."

"Health and environmental groups have filed a petition with the EPA, indicating the agency has violated federal laws for establishing allowable levels of fluoride pesticide residues in foods. Elevated levels of fluoride are associated with bone fractures, thyroid function losses, IQ deficits, bone cancer, and Alzheimer's disease."

Employees working at the Coffeyville distribution center of Amazon.com Inc. became ill with apparent food poisoning and were taken to three area hospitals early Tuesday, with about 19 of them admitted.NOTE: My brother-in-law was one of the sick, he said the place was a "disaster area" with 100+ sick and only 20 or so toilets...