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

Bacteria 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

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

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

Examples of foodborne in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Dutch scientist Huub Lelieveld will receive this year’s $500,000 World Food Prize for leading a global food safety movement that has prevented millions of cases of foodborne illness and dismantled barriers to trade and humanitarian aid. —Donnelle Eller, Des Moines Register, 25 Mar. 2026

Scratched or warped cookware can pose health and safety risks, including bacteria buildup, burns, and foodborne illnesses. —Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 16 Mar. 2026

Because it is made with live microorganisms, there is a risk of contamination and foodborne illness when making your own. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 9 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for foodborne

• adorn
• airborne
• blackthorn
• broomcorn
• buckhorn
• buckthorn
• careworn
• firstborn
• forborne
• forewarn
• forlorn
• forsworn

Kids Definition

foodborne

adjective

food·​borne ˈfüd-ˌbō(ə)rn 

-ˌbȯ(ə)rn

: caused by food contaminated with harmful microorganisms or toxic substances