What type of illnesses are commonly caused by poor personal hygiene behaviors?

Foodborne illnesses are closely linked to poor personal hygiene behaviors among food handlers. These illnesses arise when food becomes contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites, often as a result of improper handling, such as not washing hands before food preparation or service. Food handlers can inadvertently transfer pathogens from their skin, unwashed hands, or contaminated surfaces to the food. Pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Norovirus are some of the most common culprits of foodborne illness, all of which can be traced back to hygiene lapses.

The core principle behind this is that good personal hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing, wearing clean clothing, and maintaining overall cleanliness, significantly reduce the risk of food contamination. This highlights the critical role that food handlers play in ensuring food safety and preventing the spread of foodborne diseases. Other illnesses listed in the options, such as viral, allergic, or non-communicable illnesses, do not primarily stem from hygiene-related issues in food handling, making them less relevant in this context.