Which of the following is an example of a foodborne illness?

Shigella is a bacterium that is recognized as a primary cause of foodborne illness. It can lead to shigellosis, an infection marked by diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, which can occur after consuming contaminated food or water. The transmission of Shigella typically happens via the fecal-oral route, often due to inadequate hand washing among food handlers or consuming food handled by someone who is infected.

In the context of foodborne illnesses, it's crucial to differentiate between conditions that arise from food contamination and those that do not relate to food intake. Other options listed, such as heart disease, are chronic health issues often involve lifestyle factors and genetics rather than infectious agents from food. Food allergies involve a specific immune response to certain proteins in food, while acne is a skin condition that has no direct link to foodborne pathogens. Therefore, Shigella serves as a clear example of a pathogen that can lead to foodborne illness, showcasing the importance of food safety practices in preventing such infections.