Define "foodborne illness."

The definition of "foodborne illness" is a disease caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages. This encompasses a variety of pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemical substances that can compromise food safety. When individuals consume food or drinks that have been contaminated with these harmful agents, they can experience a range of symptoms, from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe health complications.

The other options provided do not fully capture the broad definition of foodborne illness. While eating expired food may contribute to foodborne illness in some cases, it is not the sole factor; not all expired food is necessarily contaminated, and foodborne illness can occur even if the food is within its expiration date. Similarly, improper cooking can lead to foodborne illness, but it is only one aspect of a variety of ways food can become unsafe. The final option regarding diseases unrelated to food consumption is entirely off-topic, as it does not pertain to foodborne illness. Thus, the most comprehensive and accurate definition provided is the one that describes it as a disease caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages.