What is Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning is a catchall phrase used to describe any discomfort caused by the consumption of food. The symptoms of food poisoning can be mild including stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. They can also be severe, including high fever with accompanying chills, dehydration and bloody stool. 

There are hundreds of diseases that can be spread by food. These diseases fall into two categories; infectious agents and toxic agents.

• Infectious agents include the living contaminants such as parasites, bacteria and viruses.


• Toxic agents include poisons from foods like mushrooms and exotic fish, as well as chemicals such as pesticides.

The onset of symptoms from food poisoning can become evident as quickly a half an hour after consumption or they may not be evident for 24 hours or more. Mild symptoms include:

• Mild to severe abdominal pain


• Stomach upset


• Nausea


• Diarrhea


• Headache


• Low-grade fever

The majority of food poisoning incidents are caused by viruses or bacteria.

Virus-Induced Food Poisoning

• Rotavirus is common in children. The virus is passed via fecal contamination and causes moderate to severe symptoms. Dehydration is an issue when treating Rotavirus due to the characteristic high fever and watery diarrhea.


• Hepatitis A, like Rotavirus, is passed through fecal contamination. Identifying symptoms include tiredness and jaundice. 


• Norovirus is the most common cause of food poisoning in adults. Symptoms typically last two to three days.

Bacteria-Induced Food Poisoning

There are two types of bacterial contaminants. The first affects the intestines causing diarrhea due to inflammation. The second is toxin related which can lead to kidney failure in severe cases. Below are a few common bacteria:

• Salmonellae bacteria are spread by improperly cooked dairy, meat and seafood products. Contamination can be spread to other foods or cooking surfaces. Symptoms of salmonellae poisoning can be moderate to life threatening, especially for individuals with health issues.


• Staphylococcus aureus is the bacteria associated with picnics and pot luck dinners. When food is not kept at appropriate temperatures this bacteria will develop. Onset of symptoms is rapid and can be severe.


• E. coli contaminates improperly cooked meat, unpasteurized dairy products, water and produce. Symptoms include severe diarrhea that can become bloody.  rompt medical treatment is necessary to treat cases of E. coli, as it can cause kidney failure and even death.

Incidents of food poisoning from parasites and toxins are less common. Avoiding questionable water sources and unknown exotic foods helps prevent this type of food poisoning. Toxic contamination from pesticides can be avoided by carefully washing produce prior to consumption.

Always seek medical assistance for suspected cases of food poisoning.