disease producing bacteria are called
For example, some bacteria are used beneficially in making cheese and yogurt. Bacteria that cause disease are called âpathogens.â When certain pathogens enter the food supply, they can cause food-borne illness.Only a few types cause millions of cases of food-borne illness each year. Ironically, most cases of food-borne illness can be prevented.ood-borne illness often shows itself as flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, so many people may not recognize the illness is caused by bacteria or other pathogens on food. Thousands of types of bacteria are naturally present in our environment. Not all bacteria cause disease in humans.