Food poisoning is an illness resulting from consuming contaminated food or water. Food can be contaminated by bacteria, viruses or parasites or by toxic substances produced by certain bacteria. Food poisoning is one of the most common illnesses in Australia, with an estimated 1.5 million Australians suffering from food-borne illness each year. Appropriate personal hygiene and proper practices in the preparation and storage of food can help prevent food poisoning in the community and in the home.
Many different organisms can cause food poisoning.
Most are bacteria. Contaminated food may not look, smell or taste any different from food that is safe. Bacteria will grow on most foods. These foods are called high-risk foods because they provide a good environment for the growth of bacteria. Foods that are not high-risk include dried foods in their original packaging, and jars, cans or other containers that have been processed by heat.