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Glossary beginning with G




An inflammation of the stomach and/or intestinal linings, resulting from eating contaminated food (bacterial, viral, parasitical).


Guillain-Barre Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nerves and causes fatigue, weakness, paralysis and sometimes death. GBS often occurs a few days or weeks after a person has had symptoms of a respiratory or gastrointestinal viral or bacterial infection; in fact, two-thirds of affected individuals have had a preceding infection. Recovery may takes weeks, months or even years. Guillain-Barre syndrome has been linked to Campylobacter jejuni.


Generic term used to refer to any disease-causing microorganism (bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses).

Giardia Lamblia

Giardia lamblia is the parasite that causes the disease Giardiasis. Giardia lamblia is usually found in contaminated waters.


This disease is acquired by swallowing the parasite Giardia lamblia. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, bloating and gas. The infection usually lasts one or two weeks, but may last months or even years causing significant weight loss. Chronic cases are difficult to treat. Contamination of food and water comes from feces of an infected person or animal, therefore foodborne infection can be transmitted by infected food handlers with poor personal hygiene. Giardiasis is the leading cause of non-bacterial diarrhea in North America.

Reported # of foodborne Giardiasis: 182 cases (CDC 1989-1991).
Number of reported outbreaks: 7 between 1989 and 1992 (CDC).

Good Manufacturing Practice

The US Food and Drug Administration's Good Manufacturing Practice regulations (GMP) require manufacturers, processors and packagers of drugs, medical device and some food and blood products to take proactive steps to ensure that their products are safe, pure and effective. Following GMP regulations assists companies in minimizing or eliminating issues of contamination and errors, and protects the consumer from purchasing a product that is ineffective or dangerous. Failure to comply with GMP regulations can result in product recall, seizures, fines and jail time.

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