In all, experts estimate that about 9,000 people die and at least 6 million get sick each year from all food-borne infections. Food poisoning is the general term for getting sick from eating contaminated food. There are many ways a food can become unsafe.
Salmonella are rod-shaped bacteria that live in the intestines of animals and humans.
Some types of salmonella can cause food poisoning, which can lead to death. E. coli can taint meat, especially hamburger. Heat kills E. coli. E. coli causes illness and death in the United States and other countries. Mold is sometimes added to food to improve flavor.