Foodborne Illness

Foodborne illness, also called food poisoning, happens when you eat or drink something that’s contaminated. Learn what causes food poisoning, the symptoms to watch for, and how you can prevent it.

What causes foodborne illness?

Foodborne illness happens in three main ways:

1. Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites (like Salmonella or E. coli)

2. Toxins (poisons) made by bacteria or mould (like Staphylococcus aureus)

3. Chemicals that get into food (like cleaning products or pesticides)

Did you know there are more than 200 diseases that can be spread through food?

What are the symptoms of foodborne illness?

Common symptoms include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Fever

• Headache

• Stomach pain or cramps

• Dehydration

Some people get mild symptoms, but others might get very sick. In extreme cases, foodborne illness can lead to death. People at higher risk include:

• Older adults

• Pregnant people

• Infants and young children

• Anyone with a weak immune system

How can you prevent foodborne illness?

Follow these simple tips to keep your food safe:

• Wash your hands: Always wash your hands before cooking or eating.

• Keep foods separate: Don’t let raw meat touch ready-to-eat foods.

• Cook food well: Use a thermometer to check that meat is fully cooked.

• Reheat leftovers safely: Make sure they’re steaming hot.

• Cool food quickly: Put leftovers in the fridge within 2 hours.

• Defrost safely: Thaw food in the fridge, not on the counter.

• Don’t cook if you’re sick: Stay out of the kitchen until you feel better.

For more tips on handling food safely, visit Food Safety at Home, Work, and School.

When do symptoms start?

It depends on what made the food unsafe:

Infection vs. intoxication: What’s the difference?

Foodborne infection

This happens when harmful germs in food make you sick.

• Example: Salmonella from undercooked chicken

• Symptoms: Fever, stomach cramps, diarrhea

Foodborne intoxication

This happens when bacteria in food make poisons (toxins) that make you sick.

• Example: Staphylococcus aureus from food left out too long.

• Symptoms: Vomiting and diarrhea

For tips on how to safely can food, read our Safe Canning Guidance Document (PDF).

What should you do if you feel sick?

• See your doctor: If you think you have food poisoning, your doctor can do tests to find out.

• Public health will help: If tests show you have a foodborne illness, your doctor will tell our team at the health unit. A Public Health Inspector may check where the food came from to stop others from getting sick.

How can I contact SWPH regarding foodborne illnesses?

• Call us: 1-800-922-0096 and ask for a Public Health Inspector