Ontario Food Handler Certification Practice Exam 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Foodborne illnesses commonly manifest through gastrointestinal symptoms, and the options that describe the typical responses of the body to harmful pathogens or toxins in contaminated food include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms occur as the body attempts to expel the harmful substances, and they are direct results of the infection or irritation caused by the pathogens.

Nausea and vomiting are the body’s defense mechanisms that help to rid itself of harmful bacteria, viruses, or toxins. Diarrhea serves a similar purpose by expelling pathogens and preventing them from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Abdominal cramps often accompany these symptoms as the gastrointestinal system reacts to inflammation or infection.

While other symptoms such as headaches or muscle pain can occur in conjunction with illnesses or infections, they are not as specifically associated with foodborne illnesses as the gastrointestinal symptoms listed in the correct choice. High fever and sore throat typically indicate respiratory infections rather than foodborne illnesses. Therefore, the symptoms listed in the correct answer precisely align with the most common and immediate indicators of foodborne illness, making it the accurate choice.