What are the three common causes of foodborne illnesses?

The selection of poor personal hygiene, cross-contamination, and time/temperature abuse as common causes of foodborne illnesses is accurate because each factor directly influences the safety of food.

Poor personal hygiene encompasses practices such as not washing hands before handling food or after using the restroom. This can lead to the transfer of harmful pathogens from food handlers to the food, significantly increasing the risk of contamination.

Cross-contamination occurs when harmful bacteria or allergens are transferred from one food item to another, often through utensils, cutting boards, or hands. This is particularly dangerous in environments where raw and cooked foods are prepared, as it can easily lead to the spread of foodborne pathogens.

Time/temperature abuse refers to the unsafe holding of food outside the recommended temperature range, allowing bacteria to multiply rapidly. Food that is not cooked to the right temperature or left at room temperature for too long poses a risk of illness.

Together, these factors contribute significantly to the incidence of foodborne illnesses, making them critical areas of focus for food safety training and protocols.