Which groups are particularly at risk for foodborne illness?

The group identified as particularly at risk for foodborne illness includes infants, pregnant individuals, elderly people, and those who are immunocompromised.

Infants are vulnerable due to their developing immune systems, which may not be fully equipped to handle pathogens found in contaminated food. Pregnant individuals are at risk because certain foodborne pathogens can affect the fetus, leading to serious health issues. The elderly often have weakened immune systems and may have underlying health conditions that increase their susceptibility to foodborne illnesses. Similarly, immunocompromised individuals, who may be undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or who have conditions such as HIV/AIDS, have compromised immune systems that make them more susceptible to infections.

Together, these groups represent a significant concern for food safety, and understanding this risk is crucial for preventing foodborne illnesses.