What cause preschool-age children to be at risk for foodborne illness?

Preschool-age children are at greater risk for foodborne illness due to their developing immune systems, which are less capable of fighting off infections compared to adults. They often have higher metabolic rates and consume more food relative to their body weight, increasing exposure to pathogens. Additionally, young children may not practice proper hygiene, such as handwashing, and are more likely to eat foods that are improperly handled or cooked. Their exploratory behavior also leads them to put non-food items in their mouths, heightening the risk of contamination.