Diarrhea, Age 12 and Older

Reference Food poisoning Opens New Window is a common cause of diarrhea in children and adults. Most cases of food poisoning may be prevented by taking a few Reference precautions when preparing and storing food at home. Perishable foods, such as eggs, meats, poultry, fish, shellfish, milk, and milk products, should be treated with extra care. Also, precautions should be taken if you are pregnant, have an Reference impaired immune system Opens New Window or a chronic illness, or are preparing foods for other high-risk groups, such as young children or older adults.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends the following steps to prevent food poisoning:

• Reference Prepare foods safely.
• Reference Shop safely.
• Reference Cook foods to a safe temperature.
• Reference Store foods safely.
• Reference Follow labels on food packaging.
• Reference Serve foods safely.
• Reference When in doubt, throw it out.

Many counties in the United States have extension services listed in the phone book. These services can answer your question about safe home canning and food preparation.

When you travel in wilderness areas or to other countries of the world, it is common to get Reference traveler's diarrhea from food or water because the methods of food preparation are different.

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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.