Is it only the microorganisms on food that cause poisoning?

Microorganisms on food can cause poisoning, but they are not the only cause of food poisoning. Other causes of food poisoning can be,

1) Chemicals: Some toxic substances, such as pesticide residues, cleaning products, or heavy metals, can contaminate food and cause poisoning if ingested.

2) Natural Toxins: Certain foods naturally contain toxic substances, such as the poisonous mushroom, certain fish species (e.g., pufferfish), or toxic plants. Consuming these foods can lead to poisoning if not properly prepared or processed.

3) Allergens: Food allergies occur when the body's immune system overreacts to a specific protein in a food, such as peanuts, shellfish, or milk. Allergic reactions can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

4) Prions: Prions are infectious protein particles that can cause neurodegenerative diseases like mad cow disease (BSE) and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). They can be transmitted through the consumption of contaminated meat products.

It's crucial to practice proper food handling, storage, and preparation techniques to minimize the risks of food poisoning from both microbial and non-microbial sources.