Food can become contaminated at any stage during its production, processing or cooking. For example, it can become contaminated by:
Cross-contamination can occur, for example, if you prepare raw chicken on a chopping board and don't wash the board before preparing food that won't be cooked (such as salad), as the harmful bacteria can be spread from the chopping board to the salad. It can also occur if raw meat is stored above ready-to-eat meals and juices from the meat drip on to the food below. See preventing food poisoning for information about reducing these risks Types of infectionFood contamination is usually caused by bacteria, but it can also sometimes be caused by viruses or parasites. Some of the main sources of contamination are described below. CampylobacterIn the UK, campylobacter bacteria are the most common cause of food poisoning. The bacteria are usually found on raw or undercooked meat (particularly poultry), unpasteurised milk and untreated water. The incubation period (the time between eating contaminated food and the start of symptoms) for food poisoning caused by campylobacter is usually between two and five days. The symptoms usually last less than a week. SalmonellaSalmonella bacteria are often found in raw or undercooked meat, raw eggs, milk, and other dairy products. The incubation period is usually between 12 and 72 hours. The symptoms usually last around four to seven days. ListeriaListeria bacteria may be found in a range of chilled, "ready-to-eat" foods, including pre-packed sandwiches, cooked sliced meats and pâté, and soft cheeses (such as Brie or Camembert). All of these foods should be eaten by their "use-by" dates. This is particularly important for pregnant women, because a listeria infection (known as listeriosis) in pregnancy can cause pregnancy and birth complications, and can result in miscarriage. The incubation period can vary considerably, from a few days to several weeks. The symptoms will usually pass within three days. Escherichia coli (E. coli)Escherichia coli, often known as E. coli, are bacteria found in the digestive systems of many animals, including humans. Most strains are harmless but some can cause serious illness. Most cases of E. coli food poisoning occur after eating undercooked beef (particularly mince, burgers and meatballs) or drinking unpasteurised milk. The incubation period for food poisoning caused by E. coli is typically one to eight days. The symptoms usually last for a few days or weeks. ShigellaShigella bacteria can contaminate any food that has been washed in contaminated water. Symptoms typically develop within seven days of eating contaminated food and last for up to a week. An infection caused by Shigella bacteria is known as bacillary dysentery or shigellosis. See the topic on dysentery for more information about it. VirusesThe virus that most commonly causes diarrhoea and vomiting is the norovirus. It's easily spread from person to person, through contaminated food or water. Raw shellfish, particularly oysters, can also be a source of infection. The incubation period typically lasts 24-48 hours and the symptoms usually pass in a couple of days. In young children, the rotavirus is a common cause of infection from contaminated food. The symptoms usually develop within a week and pass in around five to seven days. ParasitesIn the UK, food poisoning caused by parasites is rare. It's much more common in the developing world. Parasitic infections that can be spread in contaminated food include:
The symptoms of food poisoning caused by a parasite usually develop within 10 days of eating contaminated food, although sometimes it may be weeks before you feel unwell. If left untreated, the symptoms can last a long time – sometimes several weeks or even a few months.
As the name suggests, food poisoning wake forest nc occurs when contaminated food or beverages are consumed. While uncomfortable, most cases of food poisoning tend to clear up in a few days without needing treatment. People that have been diagnosed or suspect they have food poisoning may be wondering how their diet will be impacted which will be the focus of this article. What to Eat and Drink After Food Poisoning Common symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. After going through these uncomfortable symptoms, experts recommend letting the stomach settle or rest by abstaining from food and drink for a few hours. Once the stomach has settled, the following are recommended:
What NOT to Eat and Drink After Food Poisoning Because the stomach is already upset and the body on the offensive fighting food poisoning pathogens, you want to avoid anything that will exacerbate the situation. The first, and most obvious, thing to avoid would be the food or drink that got you sick to begin with. Dispose of any of the remaining food or drink immediately. Besides avoiding the known or suspected food or beverage, other things to avoid include:
Luckily, food poisoning is generally short lived and manageable. By following the dietary recommendations discussed in this article, patients should be back to normal in short order. More on Food Poisoning : Symptoms of Food Poisoning Medically Reviewed by Christine Mikstas, RD, LD on April 19, 2021 When you have food poisoning, the first thing you want is relief. Your symptoms depend on what caused you to get sick, but you usually have diarrhea, throwing up, and an upset stomach at the least. It’s no fun, but it’s how your body tries to kick out the toxins and get you better. You usually get it from eating food or drinking water that is contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins created from these. While some cases last longer, it’s usually gone within a few days. There’s not a whole lot you can do except stay near a bathroom and ride it out. But you can take some steps to support yourself as you recover. Your treatment partly depends on what gave you food poisoning and how sick you are. Some of the causes, from most to least common in the United States, are: Norovirus: You can get this virus from raw fruits and vegetables. You can also get this from shellfish, such as lobster and clams, that come from tainted water. Food handlers who have norovirus can also spread it as they prepare meals for customers. Salmonella.You can become infected with this bacteria by eating contaminated food such as beef, poultry eggs, vegetables or fruits, drinking contaminated water, or touching infecting animals and not washing your hands afterwards. Clostridium perfringens. Usually a problem on foods left unrefrigerated for too long, this is common in meats, stews, and gravies. Campylobacter. You get can this from raw or undercooked meat, especially chicken, as well as unpasteurized milk and tainted water. Shigella. Often spread when someone uses tainted water to clean food, it can be found on seafood and raw, ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables. E. coli. You often get this one from eating undercooked beef, especially ground beef, as well as drinking unpasteurized milk and cider. E. coli bacteria can also be contracted through contact with the feces of an infected person and by touching animals and failing to wash your hands afterwards. Giardia intestinalis. This is a parasite found in stream water or food contaminated by stool. Listeria. Less common than others on this list, you can get it from packaged foods such as hot dogs and lunch meats, soft cheeses such as brie, and raw fruits and vegetables. Pregnant women need to be extra careful about listeria since it can cause miscarriage. In most cases, there isn’t much your doctor can specifically do for you, and you get better on your own within a few days. Adults or children who lose a lot of fluids -- this is called dehydration -- may need to go the hospital to get an IV. This will replace your fluids and electrolytes more quickly. For severe food poisoning caused by certain bacteria, such as listeria, you may get antibiotics. But with most bacteria, you may not get any medication unless you have a weak immune system or you’re pregnant. You may also get medicine for food poisoning caused by parasites. For viruses, there’s nothing you can take. Diarrhea and vomiting can really throw off your body’s balance of fluids and electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals, such as sodium and potassium, that help with everything from keeping your heartbeat normal to controlling how much water is in your body. So your main job is to drink plenty of fluids. Start with ice chips or small sips if you need to. It’s also helpful to:
Tempting as it may be, you typically want to avoid over-the-counter medicine to stop your diarrhea. That’s because the diarrhea is helping to get rid of whatever is making you sick. If you think you need it, check with your doctor first. And don’t give it to children -- the side effects for them could be serious. Though food poisoning usually goes away on its own, call your doctor if you have any signs of dehydration:
Also call your doctor if you see any of these symptoms:
Food poisoning is more dangerous for some people than others. It’s best to call a doctor for:
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