A foodborne illness or sometimes incorrectly referred to as food poisoning, is any illness resulting from the consumption of food contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, toxins, viruses, prions or parasites. Such contamination usually arises from improper handling, preparation, or food storage. Good hygiene practices before, during, and after food preparation can reduce the chances of contracting an illness. The action of monitoring food to ensure that it will not cause foodborne illness is known as food safety. Food poisoning refers to a particular category of foodborne illness caused by ingesting toxic chemicals or bacterial toxins and is more correctly referred to as a foodborne intoxication.