foodborne
adjective
food·borne
ˈfüd-ˌbȯrn 
variants
or food-borne
: caused by food contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms or toxic substances
foodborne illness
Most foodborne outbreaks of norovirus illness are likely to arise though direct contamination of food by a food handler immediately before its consumption.—
Robert Benziker
Robert BenzikerBacteria called campylobacter contaminate most chickens that go to market in the United States, and the bacteria are the most common cause of food-borne illness, bringing on some two million cases of food poisoning in the country annually.—Philip J. Hilts
Philip J. Hilts
also
: relating to or being a microorganism or toxin contaminating food
Anderson and others believe that use of the drugs in healthy animals is playing a role in changing the very nature of foodborne bacteria, creating strains that are resistant to antibiotics used in human medicine. —Jennifer Ackerman
Jennifer Ackerman Listeria is a big problem for makers of ready-to-eat products such as deli meats, soft cheeses and potato salad. The microorganism continues to grow in refrigerated food, making it far harder to control than other types of food-borne pathogens, such as salmonella. —Scott Kilman
Scott Kilman Examples of foodborne in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Pasteurization has been one of the most effective public health interventions in reducing foodborne illness.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2026
Also, under the American International Market name, the location received products that were part of a massive late 2025 recall due to the threat of foodborne illness from potential Salmonella contamination, the presence of rodent and avian contamination and unsanitary conditions.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 31 Mar. 2026
Avoid letting the eggs stand at room temperature for more than two hours (or one hour on a hot day) to avoid foodborne illness.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 31 Mar. 2026
For example, the FSIS may be aware of an outbreak of foodborne illness, but the source hasn't been identified.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for foodborne
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Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2026
Also, under the American International Market name, the location received products that were part of a massive late 2025 recall due to the threat of foodborne illness from potential Salmonella contamination, the presence of rodent and avian contamination and unsanitary conditions.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 31 Mar. 2026
Avoid letting the eggs stand at room temperature for more than two hours (or one hour on a hot day) to avoid foodborne illness.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 31 Mar. 2026
For example, the FSIS may be aware of an outbreak of foodborne illness, but the source hasn't been identified.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for foodborne
Cite this Entry
“Foodborne.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foodborne. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
foodborne
adjective
food·borne
ˈfüd-ˌbō(ə)rn
-ˌbȯ(ə)rn
: caused by food contaminated with harmful microorganisms or toxic substances
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