Food Poisoning and Safe Food Handling

The symptoms of food poisoning usually affect your stomach and intestines (gastrointestinal tract).

• The first symptom is usually diarrhea.
• Other symptoms include feeling sick to your stomach (nausea), vomiting, and abdominal (belly) cramps.

The time it takes for symptoms to appear, how severe the symptoms are, and how long the symptoms last depend on the infecting organism, your age, and your overall health.

The very young and the very old may be most affected by food poisoning. Their symptoms may last longer, and even the types of food poisoning that are typically mild can be life-threatening. This may also be true for pregnant women and people with Reference impaired immune systems Opens New Window, such as those who have long-lasting (chronic) illnesses.

Not all food poisoning causes diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and belly cramps. Some types of food poisoning have different or more severe symptoms. These can include weakness, numbness, confusion, or tingling of the face, hands, and feet.

Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea and vomiting, can also be caused by organisms that aren't necessarily spread through food. These organisms are mainly spread through water or personal contact. Conditions caused by these organisms include infection with the parasite Giardia lamblia.

Learn more about specific food poisoning organisms, including how they are spread, their symptoms, and their treatment:

• Reference Botulism (Clostridium botulinum)
• Reference Campylobacteriosis (Campylobacter)
• Reference C. perfringens food poisoning (Clostridium perfringens)
• Reference Hepatitis A
• Reference Listeriosis (Listeria monocytogenes)
• Reference Marine toxins
• Reference Noroviruses
• Reference Salmonellosis (Salmonella enterica)
• Reference Shigellosis (Shigella)
• Reference Staph food poisoning (Staphylococcus aureus)
• Reference Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii)
• Reference Vibrio vulnificus food poisoning

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.