Food poisoning is responsible for sickening up to 80 million people worldwide each year, and killing approximately one tenth of those infected. Food poisoning happens everywhere, but tends to occur more frequently at picnics, school cafeterias, and large social functions due to undercooked meats or because foods containing mayonnaise are unrefrigerated too long.
Symptoms of food poisoning usually occur within two to six hours after consumption, although some cases of food poisoning don’t appear until a few days later. General food poisoning symptoms include:
- Abdominal Cramps
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
Although in most cases simple measures can prevent food poisoning, it continues to happen regularly. Moreover, according to the USDA, most cases are related to meat. The chart below describes symptoms and prevention techniques for the most common types of food poisoning.
Food Poisoning Symptoms and Prevention
| Poisoning | Symptoms | Prevention |
| Botulism |
|
Discard bulging or dented canned or bottled goods. Also, sterilize-home-canned goods properly, and throw away out-dated goods. |
| Campylobacter |
|
Avoid improperly prepared foods, and use proper food sanitation practices. |
| Cholera |
|
When traveling, take precautions. Drink clean, boiled water and eat uncontaminated foods. |
| E. Coli |
|
Avoid contaminated foods and untreated water, and cook meats at high temperatures to kill organisms. You should also practice careful hand washing. |
| Fish Tape Worm |
|
Avoid consuming raw or undercooked fish from river or lakes. |
| Salmonella |
|
Practice careful hand washing, particularly when using eggs and poultry. Also, use proper handling and food storage practices. |
| Shigella |
|
Avoid contaminated food and water. Practice careful hand washing, and properly handle and store foods. |
| Staph Aureus |
|
Avoid contaminating other foods with meat juices. Also, promptly refrigerate meats and leftovers. Practice careful hand washing, and wash food implements thoroughly before and after use. |
If you think you have suffered food poisoning, let others know. If the food was consumed from a restaurant, fast food restaurant, or store, contact them and also call your local health department. Contact your health care provider or go to emergency if you have any concerns as there can be complications with food poisoning. For more information about food poisoning and its complications, visit Medline Plus by clicking here. If you want to prevent food poisoning at home, read Tips To Prevent Food Poisoning.