Bacterial intoxications are caused by ingesting:

Bacterial intoxications specifically occur when a person ingests foods that contain pre-formed bacterial toxins. These toxins are produced by bacteria that have grown and multiplied in the food before it is consumed. Unlike bacterial infections, which involve the ingestion of live bacteria that then multiply in the intestines, intoxications do not require the bacteria to be alive at the time of consumption.

For instance, certain bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Bacillus cereus can produce toxins that remain harmful even after the bacteria are no longer viable. When a person eats food containing these toxins, it can lead to illness very quickly, often resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Understanding this distinction between intoxications and infections is vital in the field of food safety and HACCP because it underscores the importance of proper food handling and storage practices to prevent the growth of bacteria and the production of toxins in food products.