PoliticsAugust 8, 2026

foodborne

FOOD-born

Definition

Carried or transmitted to humans through the consumption of contaminated food.

Etymology

A compound word derived from 'food' (Old English 'fōd') and the past participle of 'bear' (Old English 'beran'), meaning 'carried' or 'brought forth'.

In the news

The term is used to describe illnesses caused by pathogens in produce, a central focus in RFK Jr.'s skepticism regarding food safety and industry standards.

Fear of lettuce is making RFK Jr.'s food messaging harder for consumers to swallow

Read the full article ↗

politico.com

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