Foodborne diseases are caused by microorganisms that contaminate food during production, processing, or handling. There are two main types - intoxication caused by preformed toxins in food and infection caused by pathogens that establish themselves after ingestion. Common foodborne pathogens include Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio cholerae, Giardia lamblia, and Entamoeba histolytica. Foodborne diseases are usually transmitted via four main routes - food, feces, fingers, and flies. General prevention measures include proper sanitation, hygiene, storage, handling and cooking of food to recommended temperatures.