Food poisoning - also known as foodborne illness - is an illness caused by eating food infected by bacteria, viruses, fungi, toxins, or parasites. Symptoms of food poisoning may start within a few hours (1-6) after consuming the contaminated food, but this window may vary depending on the pathogen.
Common symptoms of food poisoning include:
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Chills
Food poisoning is very common. Nearly 48 million people experience food poisoning every year in the United States. While most instances of food poisoning are mild and will go away within a few days, severe cases can lead to hospitalization or death. Common causes of food contamination include:
- Improper storage: If certain food (such as meat, cheese, seafood, and some produce) is not refrigerated or frozen properly, it can become contaminated with infectious organisms. Promptly store appropriate items in the fridge or freezer to prevent the growth of these pathogens.
- Improper washing: Produce can carry traces of feces and toxins, which can cause an infection if let into the body. Properly rinse and store produce to wash away infectious organisms.
- Unsanitary handling: Toxins, fecal matter, and other infectious organisms can live on your hands and kitchen surfaces. Not washing your hands thoroughly after using the restroom, or before handling food, can cause these pathogens to find their way to food. Similarly, if you do not properly clean and disinfect kitchen surfaces, they can begin to host infectious organisms. Wash surfaces, cutting boards, and utensils thoroughly with hot water and dish soap to prevent infection from harmful viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
If you are experiencing frequent episodes of vomiting or diarrhea, coupled with fever symptoms, see a health care provider as soon as you can. Most instances of food poisoning are mild and will go away within a few days. However, severe infections or untreated infections can cause dehydration, hospitalization, or even death. To prevent medical emergencies or complications, seek medical treatment for food poisoning for treatment.