Food Manager Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of foodborne intoxication?

1. Nausea

2. Headaches

3. Diarrhea

4. Muscle spasms

The correct answer is: Muscle spasms

Foodborne intoxication typically results from consuming toxins that are present in food, rather than from the microorganisms themselves. Common symptoms associated with foodborne intoxication generally include nausea, headaches, and diarrhea. These symptoms arise because the toxins affect the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system, leading to the body trying to expel the harmful substances through vomiting or diarrhea. Muscle spasms are not commonly associated with foodborne intoxication, making them the correct identification of a symptom that does not typically present in these cases. While muscle spasms can occur in other conditions or types of foodborne illnesses—such as infections caused by certain pathogens—this symptom does not align with the immediate effects seen in foodborne intoxication, where the primary symptoms stem from the immediate reaction to toxins ingested. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in identifying and managing foodborne illnesses appropriately.