Everything You Need to Know About Food Poisoning

You’ve probably fallen victim to food poisoning at some point in your life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that nearly 48 million Americans get sick from food each year. However, the good news is that a foodborne illness is often preventable.

“Food poisoning is unpleasant and avoidable in many cases by preparing food properly,” says Doylestown Health Gastroenterologist Hannah Do, M.D.  

Causes of Food Poisoning

Food poisoning occurs when you eat food that has been contaminated with germs such as bacteria, viruses or parasites. Germs can affect food at any point from the time farmers grow it, processors handle it, shippers transport it, storage facilities keep it, or cooks prepare it. The main causes of food poisoning at home are:

• Improper food storage can cause certain food to spoil or become unsafe to eat.
• Poor handwashing, which allows germs to transfer from your hands to food
• Unclean cooking and eating areas…make sure to clean kitchen utensils, cutting boards and surfaces properly

  There are over 200 types of food poisoning. The most common types are:

• E. Coli: A bacteria generally found in raw, undercooked meats and raw vegetables.
• Listeria: A bacteria found in soft cheeses, deli meats, and hot dogs. This bacterium is extremely dangerous for pregnant women.
• Salmonella: The most common form of food poisoning. You can find it in raw eggs, undercooked poultry, beef, vegetables, and processed foods. Salmonella causes the most hospitalizations and deaths from food poisoning.

Food Poisoning Symptoms

The time it take food symptoms to appear varies. In most cases, symptoms appear within a few hours. However, they can start up to a week after eating contaminated food. Symptoms of food poisoning include:

• Cramps
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Weakness

Food Poisoning vs. Stomach Virus

Food poisoning and the stomach flu have many similar symptoms. This makes it hard to tell them apart. But. Dr. Do says there are some ways you can confirm you have food poisoning.

“The easiest way to know if you have food poisoning is if others who ate the same food are also sick,” says Dr. Do. Sometimes stool studies can also confirm the diagnosis.

Another key difference between food poisoning and the stomach flu is the duration. Symptoms related to food poisoning generally resolve within 12-48 hours. You may experience stomach flu symptoms for up to a week.

Food Poisoning Treatment

Generally, food poisoning is mild and you can treat symptoms at home. Dr. Do suggests:

• Avoiding caffeine, alcohol or spicy and fatty foods
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Eating small amounts of bland foods
• Resting

You should seek medical care if you:

• Are pregnant
• Can’t keep fluids down
• Experience bloody diarrhea
• Have a weakened immune system
• Have a fever over 100.4
• Have symptoms that last more than 48 hours

Preventing Food Poisoning

It can be hard to prevent food poisoning when eating out. However, you can prevent it when you cook at home. Follow food preparation instructions to avoid food related illnesses at home.

“Raw and undercooked meat can be dangerous and carry the risk of transmitting salmonella. When you cook poultry, beef and seafood use a meat thermometer. This ensures your food is cooked properly,” says Dr. Do.

The temperatures food should be cooked to are available at foodsafety.gov. Other ways you can prevent food are to:

• Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, eggs or seafood.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you eat or handle food.
• Keep raw meat and eggs away from other food and clean any surfaces they touch.
• Store food according to instructions. Leftovers should only be kept for three to four days.
• Refrigerate or freeze perishable foods within two hours. 

Meet the Provider

Hannah Do, M.D., is a gastroenterologist at Doylestown Health GI. Dr. Do treats disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, with a special focus on nutrition, gastroesophageal reflux disease, colorectal cancer screening, irritable bowel syndrome, and pelvic floor dysfunction.