Which illness is NOT classified as one of the big five foodborne illnesses?

Listeriosis is not classified as one of the "big five" foodborne illnesses. The term "big five" refers to those pathogens that are most frequently associated with severe illness or outbreaks: Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, E. coli (specifically E. coli O157:H7), and Shigella.

While Listeriosis is a significant foodborne illness caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, it is not as commonly highlighted in food safety training as the big five. The big five are emphasized due to their prevalence in foodborne outbreaks and their capacity to cause severe health consequences, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Understanding these classifications helps food handlers prioritize food safety practices relevant to the most critical pathogens that can lead to outbreaks and illness in consumers.