Name one of the four segments of the population most at risk for foodborne illness.

• A. Healthy adults
• B. Pregnant women
• C. Athletes
• D. Teenagers

Answer: (B)

People who are pregnant are more at risk for foodborne illness because pregnancy brings changes in the immune system and body that can make infections more likely and more severe for both mother and baby. Some bugs, like Listeria, can threaten the fetus and may cause miscarriage, preterm labor, or serious illness in a newborn. That’s why pregnant women are listed among the high-risk groups for foodborne illness. The four groups typically recognized are pregnant women, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Among the options, pregnant women clearly belong to that high-risk category, while healthy adults, athletes, and teenagers generally have lower risk of severe outcomes.