A-Z Digestive Health Food Poisoning Food poisoning can be caused by eating foods contaminated with bacteria or toxins produced by bacteria. It also can result from eating foods such as mushrooms or certain types of fish which contain a naturally occurring poison. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea which begin two to six hours after the food is eaten. Symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea usually appear within 18-36 hours after eating the food. Other symptoms may include paralysis, visual changes and difficulty swallowing.
Botulism can be fatal so call a doctor or seek emergency treatment immediately.
Salmonella infections are caused by eating meat, poultry, eggs or raw milk that carry bacteria. Be sure and discard cracked or dirty eggs and do not prepare foods on surfaces where poultry has been cut. Also wash your hands carefully, promptly refrigerate prepared foods, and make sure meat and poultry are thoroughly cooked before eating. Food poisoning usually resolves itself in a day or two, but if symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor. This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.