What type of microorganism causes food poisoning through the production of toxins?

Bacteria are the type of microorganism that can cause food poisoning through the production of toxins. Various species of bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, can multiply in food that is not stored properly. When these bacteria grow, they can produce harmful toxins that, when consumed, can lead to symptoms of food poisoning such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

While viruses can cause illnesses related to food, they do so mainly by infecting cells rather than producing toxins. Fungi, including molds, can produce mycotoxins that lead to food spoilage or poisoning, but they are not as commonly associated with acute foodborne illnesses compared to bacterial toxins. Parasites can contaminate food, leading to infections, but they do not typically produce toxins in the same way bacteria do. Thus, bacteria are specifically noted for their ability to produce toxins in food, leading to food poisoning.