Which population is considered highly susceptible to foodborne illness?

Toddlers are considered a highly susceptible population to foodborne illness primarily due to their developing immune systems and smaller body size, which makes them more vulnerable to pathogens. At this age, children are still building their immune response, which means they cannot effectively fight off infections that might be less harmful to older children or adults. Additionally, toddlers often explore their environments by putting objects into their mouths, increasing the risk of exposure to harmful microorganisms.

In contrast, while teenagers, adults, and senior citizens may experience foodborne illnesses, their risk factors differ. Teenagers generally have stronger immune systems than toddlers, and adults tend to have a more developed resistance to infections. Senior citizens, although they are at higher risk due to age-related decline in immune function, still have a stronger base immunity than young children. Therefore, among all these groups, toddlers are distinctly the most susceptible.