Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Practice Exam

Which is a common symptom of a foodborne illness?

1. High blood pressure

2. Dizziness

3. Nausea and vomiting

4. Insomnia

The correct answer is: Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms associated with foodborne illnesses and are critical indicators of food safety issues. These symptoms typically arise as a reaction to consuming contaminated food or beverages, which may contain pathogenic bacteria, parasites, viruses, or their toxins. The gastrointestinal system is often the first to react to these harmful agents, leading to discomfort, which manifests as nausea, followed by vomiting to expel the harmful substances. Understanding these symptoms is essential for food safety professionals, as they indicate potential foodborne pathogens at play and can help in identifying outbreaks, implementing corrective actions, and protecting public health. Awareness of such symptoms allows for timely response measures, such as notifying health authorities and recalling contaminated food products, ultimately preventing further cases of illness.