What is the term for disease caused by toxins produced in the body?

The term for disease caused by toxins produced in the body is "toxin-mediated infection." This refers to situations where bacteria, for example, can produce toxins that enter the host's body and cause disease, even if the bacteria themselves do not directly invade tissues. A classic example of this is in certain cases of foodborne illness, where the toxins produced by pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus lead to symptoms without requiring the bacteria to grow in the intestines.

This understanding is crucial in the context of HACCP, as it highlights the importance of controlling not only the presence of harmful microorganisms but also the conditions that allow for toxin production. In contrast, other options refer to general categories of infections or diseases caused by different pathogens, but do not specifically denote toxins' role in disease manifestation. Toxin-mediated infections underscore the critical control points needed to prevent toxin production in food safety management systems.