What is a common symptom of foodborne illness?

Nausea and vomiting are widely recognized as common symptoms of foodborne illnesses. These symptoms occur as the body's natural response to the ingestion of contaminated food. When pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites enter the digestive system, they can cause irritation and inflammation, leading to nausea and the urge to vomit as the body attempts to rid itself of the harmful substances.

While headaches, fatigue, and dry skin can be associated with various illnesses, they are not as specifically tied to foodborne illnesses as nausea and vomiting. Headaches may result from dehydration or other factors but are not direct reactions to food contaminants. Fatigue is a general symptom that can occur with many illnesses but lacks the specific connection to foodborne pathogens. Dry skin is not typically linked to foodborne illness at all. Thus, the prominence of nausea and vomiting as immediate, identifiable symptoms makes it the correct choice in the context of food safety.