eli5 how come we get sick from foods when we have stomach acid?

Question

If we have stomach acid, how come if we eat something that may have some type of bacteria on it. Our stomach acid doesn’t kill it all before we get infected?

In: 29

Answer 1

I can’t answer that fully, but I’ll do my best.

Your mouth and mucus membranes may be one entry-point for some bacteria.

Also:
Bacteria may have left excretions on the food (e.g. more or less toxic substances), that may be responsible for the stomach-reaction (or even death .. depending on the bacteria).

I don’t know, if I’m missing something (I’m not a doctor/professional), but that’s my 5 cents.