What are the two types of pathogenic microorganisms that grow and are carried by food?

The correct answer is "Intoxication and infection" because these terms accurately describe the two primary ways in which pathogenic microorganisms can cause illness through food.

Intoxication refers to the process where pathogens produce toxins that can lead to illness after the contaminated food is consumed. In this scenario, the pathogens do not need to grow or multiply in the host; rather, the pre-formed toxins cause gastroenteritis or other foodborne illnesses. Examples include Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium botulinum, which produce toxins that can lead to severe health issues.

Infection, on the other hand, occurs when ingested pathogens enter the body, proliferate, and cause illness. This involves live bacteria or viruses multiplying within the host. Common examples include Salmonella and Escherichia coli, where the bacteria must establish themselves and replicate in the intestines to lead to disease.

The other options do not correctly reflect the nature of how pathogenic microorganisms impact human health through food. Contamination and absorption do not specifically pertain to the mechanisms of pathogen-induced disease, while habitation lacks relevance to foodborne illness mechanisms.