Define the following foodborne diseases : Aflatoxin, Listeria infection, norovirus, E. coli

Here are the definitions for the foodborne diseases you listed:

• Aflatoxin: These are toxic compounds produced by certain molds (specifically Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus) that can grow on agricultural crops like corn, peanuts, and tree nuts. Consuming food contaminated with aflatoxins can cause liver damage and cancer.
• Listeria infection: This is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. It is often found in contaminated ready-to-eat foods like deli meats, soft cheeses, and unpasteurized dairy products. It can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems.
• Norovirus: This is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, often referred to as "stomach flu." It spreads easily through contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
• E. coli: This refers to infections caused by certain strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli. While many E. coli strains are harmless and live in the intestines, pathogenic strains (like E. coli O157:H7) can cause severe food poisoning, leading to symptoms such as severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, and sometimes kidney failure. It is often transmitted through undercooked ground beef, contaminated produce, or unpasteurized milk.