It can be fatal if not treated. The bacteria need time to grow in the intestines, and so symptoms may not appear for one or two days. Proper cooking and food handling greatly decreases the risk of such infection. These include some types of fungi and some shellfish. Food poisoning results with varying severity if these substances are eaten.
Ptomaines are foul-smelling products of bacteria present in putrefying food.
They were once believed to cause food poisoning. It is now known that so-called ptomaine poisoning is bacterial infection of the intestines. The physician may treat any water and salt deficiency, a consequence of the vomiting and diarrhea. More severe vomiting may require use of antinauseant medication. Some infections require antibiotic therapy.