Bacteria that cause food intoxication produce what?

Bacteria that cause food intoxication produce toxins that can be dangerous to humans. When these bacteria multiply in food, they release toxins that can lead to illness if the contaminated food is consumed. This process does not necessarily require the bacteria to be alive in the food at the time of consumption, as the harmful effects stem from the toxins already present.

Understanding that intoxication results from toxins emphasizes the importance of proper food handling and cooking processes. Additionally, while heat can kill many bacteria, it does not always render the toxins harmless. In fact, some toxins are heat-stable, meaning that cooking the food may not eliminate the threat. This underscores the significance of preventing bacteria from producing toxins in the first place by applying safe food storage and hygiene practices.