This may occur quite suddenly, soon after the poisonous food has been eaten. The symptoms are acute, and include tenderness, pain or cramps in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and dizziness. It is now known that the human digestive system is well able to cope with these substances. Although they should be avoided, spoiled foods are not necessarily harmful. When they are, it is because foods in the process of decomposition frequently harbor disease-causing bacteria.
Staphylococcal poisoning is the most common form of food poisoning in the United States.
In some foods, the bacteria will multiply very quickly, especially if the food is not refrigerated. The condition does not spread throughout the body and is not contagious. Custard-filled pastry is the food most liable to contain staphylococci. Other susceptible foods are cream, milk, cheddar cheese, potato salad, many kinds of sauces, and processed meats, especially ham. These foods should always be purchased from reliable dealers and be kept refrigerated.