Ontario Food Handler Certification Practice Exam

What are common symptoms of foodborne illness?

1. Excessive energy levels

2. Muscle growth

3. Headaches from healthy eating

4. Stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and headache

The correct answer is: Stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and headache

The symptoms associated with foodborne illness encompass a range of gastrointestinal and systemic reactions. Stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and headache are all indicative of the body's response to harmful pathogens or toxins that are ingested with contaminated food or beverages. These symptoms arise as the immune system reacts to fight off the infection and can vary in severity. The other options provided do not represent symptoms associated with foodborne illnesses. For example, excessive energy levels and muscle growth are signs of good health or physical fitness but do not relate to the adverse effects of contaminated food. Likewise, headaches attributed to healthy eating do not align with the consequences of foodborne pathogens; instead, they may relate to dietary choices that are individually specific rather than being general indicators of foodborne illness. Thus, option D accurately reflects the typical symptoms experienced when someone suffers from foodborne illness.