Foodborne Illness

About Foodborne Illness

• Foodborne illness (or food poisoning) occurs when you eat or drink contaminated food. Foodborne illness is a general term for:

       i.   Infections caused by micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites

       ii.  Poisoning by toxins from bacteria or mold in food 

       iii. Poisoning by chemicals in food

       iv. More than 200 diseases are transmitted through food (Institute of Food Technologists Expert
           Report on Food Safety Issues in the 21st century, 2002).

Common Symptoms of Foodborne Illness

• Common symptoms of foodborne illness are:

       i.   Nausea

       ii.  Vomiting 

       iii. Diarrhea 

       iv. Fever

        v. Headache

       vi. Stomach pain and cramping

      vii. Dehydration

• Symptoms can range from mild to severe. In extreme cases, foodborne illness can lead to death.
• Severe/life-threatening symptoms are more likely to occur in higher risk populations such as: the elderly, pregnant women, infants, and people with weakened immune systems.

Preventing Foodborne Illness

• Improper food handling practices that lead to foodborne illness can include:

       i.   Poor hand washing practices and/or poor handler hygiene 

       ii.  Cross-contamination of raw and ready-to-eat foods through direct or indirect contact (i.e.
            utensils/food contact surfaces). 

       iii. Improper cooking and reheating of food items 

       iv. Improper cooling of hazardous food items

        v. Improper defrosting of food items

       vi. Food being prepared by a sick food handler

• To reduce the chance of foodborne illness, ensure that you handle, cook, and store food properly.
• For more information on safe food handling practices, see Southwestern Public Health's Food Safety at Home, Work, and School webpage. 

Feeling Sick After Eating Contaminated Food

• There are times when you might feel sick right after eating contaminated food or drinks. The amount of time it takes for symptoms to start depends on the type of contaminate ingested. For example:

       i.   Foodborne illness caused by bacterial toxins or chemical contamination usually happens shortly
            after eating (i.e. within 2-4 hours). 

       ii.  Foodborne infections can take several days to cause illness 

       iii. Salmonella usually takes 12-24 hours but can take as long as 3 days

       iv. E. coli 0157: H7 usually takes 3-4 days but can take as long as 8 days

        v. Foodborne illness caused by Hepatitis A usually takes 30 days but can take as long as 50 days

Foodborne Infection

• Infections occurs when the bacteria in the food multiply and cause bowel irritation for anyone who eats or drinks the contaminated food. Symptoms usually include fever, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
• Common infections include Salmonella poisoning due to undercooked chicken or meat.

Foodborne Intoxication

• Intoxication occurs when the bacteria in food multiply and produce harmful poisons or toxins in the

    food. In some cases, these toxins can be deadly. The main symptom of a foodborne intoxication is
    vomiting but can also include diarrhea. 

• A common intoxication is Staphylococcus aureus due to sliced meat and custards being left at room temperature. 
• A less common but very severe intoxication is Clostridium botulinum (Botulism), which is due to improperly canned products such as vegetables and meats, or foil-wrapped potatoes being left at  room temperature. 
• For tips on how to safely can food items at home, see Southwestern Public Health's Safe Canning Guidance Document. 

Notifying Your Doctor

• Speak to your healthcare provider if you feel sick and think that you might have a foodborne illness.
• Tests can be run to determine if you have become ill due to contaminated food or drinks.
• If you have foodborne illness:

       i.   Your doctor will notify the Public Health Unit of positive results. 

       ii.  A Public Health Inspector will investigate your case and follow up with you and/or the food
            premise to find what might have been the source of the contaminated food and/or drink. 

When to Contact the Health Unit

• If you have any questions about foodborne illness, or suspect that you may have foodborne illness, call the health unit at 1-800-922-0096 and ask to speak with a Public Health Inspector.
• Or email: info@swpublichealth.ca with any inquiries related to foodborne illness.