Botulism, a foodborne illness, is an example of

Correct option is A

✅ (a) Food intoxication:
· Botulism is caused by the ingestion of a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that grows in improperly canned or preserved foods.
· The illness results from consuming the toxin itself, not the bacteria, so it is classified as food intoxication.
· Symptoms include muscle paralysis, respiratory failure, and can be fatal if untreated.
· Immediate medical intervention is crucial to neutralize the toxin and support breathing.
❌ (b) Food infection: This involves illness caused by consuming live pathogenic bacteria that multiply in the body, unlike botulism, which is caused by a toxin. ❌ (c) Food allergy: An immune system reaction to certain food proteins, unrelated to toxin or bacterial infection. ❌ (d) None of these: Incorrect, as (a) is the accurate classification.