Which of the following is a common symptom of foodborne illness?

Nausea is indeed a common symptom of foodborne illness and is often one of the first signs that someone may have ingested contaminated food or beverages. This symptom arises because the body's response to harmful pathogens, toxins, or chemicals often involves gastrointestinal distress. Nausea is typically accompanied by other symptoms that may include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever, depending on the specific type of foodborne illness.

While fatigue, headache, and dry skin can also signal various health issues, they are not as directly associated with foodborne illnesses as nausea is. Fatigue may occur in response to dehydration or systemic infection, headaches can result from various unrelated conditions, and dry skin is generally not a symptom of foodborne pathogens but may indicate dehydration or nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, in the context of foodborne illness, nausea stands out as a key indicator.