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.

Jack Davis is only 11, but he had a pretty grown-up idea: He was disturbed to learn that Florida restaurants throw out food that could be given to the hungry and the homeless -- because the restaurant owners could be sued if anyone who ate the food became ill or developed food poisoning.

72 people contracted Salmonella food poisoning after eating contaminated roast beef at an Arby's in GA. 26% of those infected were hospitalized, which is very unusual. The board of health cultured Salmonella bacteria from a meat slicer and roast beef at the restaurant. Arby's needs to take responsibilty by paying medical bills and lost wages.

Unfortunately, many restaurants are vectors for food poisoning. Here's how to tell if your favorite restaurant is at risk.

Chain restaurants are bad for everyone. This is not only fast food chains, but also "premium" chains like Chili's, Fridays, and Applebees. Salads that are worse than a Big Mac meal. "Guiltless" Grill Black Bean burgers that could only be made by a guilty chain...guilty of poisoning America. Promoting suburban sprawl and much more.

Taco Bell, bagged spinach, and other fast food restaurants have recently been the source of numerous cases of food poisoning. The E-Coli bacteria was the culprit in all cases. We never heard any more...once the "investigation" began. Here are the facts surrounding...cases: 1) All cases involved illegal, or third world workers handling the food. 2).