What term describes an illness caused by consuming contaminated food or drink?

The term that describes an illness caused by consuming contaminated food or drink is known as foodborne illness. This is a broad category that includes various infections and illnesses resulting from the ingestion of food that is contaminated with pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Foodborne illnesses can lead to symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe health complications.

While food poisoning is often used interchangeably with foodborne illness, it specifically points to the acute symptoms resulting from consuming toxic substances found in contaminated food. Gastroenteritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines and can be caused by foodborne pathogens, but it is a symptom rather than a term that encompasses the entire category of illnesses caused by contaminated food. Nutritional deficiency does not pertain to contamination but rather to a lack of essential nutrients in the diet. Thus, foodborne illness accurately describes the overall illness caused by such contamination.