User:Jeanfeli

Food poisoning

Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating contaminated food. Most people will get better without the need for treatment.

In most cases, the food that causes the illness has been contaminated by bacteria, such as salmonella, or a virus, such as the norovirus.

The symptoms of food poisoning usually begin one to three days after eating contaminated food. They include:

   feeling sick
   vomiting
   diarrhoea
   stomach cramps

Foods that are particularly vulnerable to contamination if they are not handled, stored or cooked properly include:

   raw meat and poultry
   'ready to eat' foods such as cooked sliced meats, pate, soft cheeses and pre-packed sandwiches
   dairy products, such as eggs and milk
    

How common is food poisoning?

During 2010, there were almost 84,560 cases of food poisoning in England and Wales. However, the actual figure may be considerably higher than this because many people with mild symptoms do not report them. is an illness caused by eating contaminated food. Most people will get better without the need for treatment.

In most cases, the food that causes the illness has been contaminated by bacteria, such as salmonella, or a virus, such as the norovirus.

The symptoms of food poisoning usually begin one to three days after eating contaminated food. They include:

   feeling sick
   vomiting
   diarrhoea
   stomach cramps

Foods that are particularly vulnerable to contamination if they are not handled, stored or cooked properly include:

   raw meat and poultry
   'ready to eat' foods such as cooked sliced meats, pate, soft cheeses and pre-packed sandwiches
   dairy products, such as eggs and milk
    

How common is food poisoning?

During 2010, there were almost 84,560 cases of food poisoning in England and Wales. However, the actual figure may be considerably higher than this because many people with mild symptoms do not report them.

Source: Faculty of Agriculture