Food Poisoning Symptoms: What to Watch for and How to Stay Safe
Know the signs and how to stay healthy
Know the signs and how to stay healthy
Chicken, beef, fresh produce, deli meats and dairy products are staples in most kitchens. But these everyday foods — and even popular items like hot dogs — can sometimes carry harmful germs that cause food poisoning. Practicing proper food safety is essential to prevent illness and protect your health.
“It’s really important to be mindful when preparing and handling food,” says Tina Tran, MD, an internal medicine physician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center San Marcos. “Simple steps like washing your hands and cooking food thoroughly can go a long way in preventing food poisoning. The symptoms — like nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea — can be miserable and in some cases, the illness can become serious or even life-threatening.”
Common causes of food poisoning
Food poisoning occurs when contaminated food or drink introduces harmful bacteria, viruses or parasites into the body.
Certain foods are more susceptible to contamination, making them common sources of foodborne illness. These include:
- Undercooked meats
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Improperly stored deli products
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year 48 million (or 1 in 6 people) get sick from a foodborne illness. Approximately 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 people die from foodborne illnesses. The most common pathogens include:
Salmonella – Causes about 1.3 million illnesses annually; symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps.
Norovirus – Highly contagious and responsible for roughly 5.5 million cases each year; symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration
Clostridium perfringens – Linked to 1 million cases annually; typically found in improperly stored meat and poultry
Campylobacter – Causes approximately 1.9 million cases: often caused by undercooked poultry
Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) – Produces toxins that trigger sudden nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps
E. coli (Shiga toxin-producing) – Can lead to severe illness and hospitalization; symptoms include bloody diarrhea and vomiting
Listeria monocytogenes – Particularly dangerous for pregnant women and older adults
Who is most at risk?
Certain groups should avoid high-risk foods to prevent severe food poisoning, especially:
- Pregnant women
- Young children
- Older adults
- People with weakened immune systems
Recognizing common symptoms
Symptoms typically appear within hours to a few days after consuming contaminated food or drink. Common signs include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea (watery or bloody)
- Stomach cramps
- Fever
- Dry mouth and other signs of dehydration
Symptoms may range from mild to severe and can last from a few hours to several days.
When to seek medical attention
Most cases of food poisoning get better on their own. However, some cases need medical help. Consult with a doctor if you have:
- Blood in your stool
- A fever over 102.6°F
- Persistent vomiting that prevents fluid intake
- Diarrhea lasting more than three days
- Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, dizziness or reduced urination
Prompt treatment can help prevent complications, especially for those in high-risk groups.
Recovering from food-borne illnesses
Most cases of food poisoning go away in a few days without medical help. However, how you take care of yourself during recovery matters. Here are some expert tips to help your body heal and prevent problems like dehydration.
1. Stay hydrated
Dehydration is a common problem. Drink fluids often, even if you have diarrhea. Stay away from sugary drinks. Choose oral rehydration solutions instead.
“Hydration is key when you're dealing with food poisoning,” says Dr. Tran. “A lot of people stop drinking fluids because they think it’ll help, but that actually makes things worse. Even if you’re having diarrhea, your body still absorbs water and electrolytes — so it’s really important to keep sipping fluids regularly.”
2. Eat light meals
Stick to bland, low-fat foods like toast, rice, bananas and applesauce. Avoid greasy or spicy meals until symptoms improve.
“When you’re recovering from food poisoning, eating light meals is one of the best things you can do,” says Dr. Tran. “Bland, low-fat foods are easier for your digestive system to handle and less likely to trigger nausea or cramps. Your gut is inflamed and sensitive, so giving it gentle, easy-to-digest fuel helps it heal faster.”
3. Rest and prevent spread
Taking time to rest is crucial for recovery and it also helps reduce the risk of spreading infection to others. If symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea persist, it’s important to stay home and practice good hygiene.
“Your body needs rest to fight off the infection, but it’s also about protecting others,” says Dr. Tran. “Ongoing symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting can mean you’re still contagious. Avoid preparing food, stay home and wash your hands often until you're fully recovered.”
How to prevent food poisoning
1. Wash hands, utensils and surfaces
Germs that cause food poisoning can spread quickly. Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water before, during and after preparing food. Also, clean knives, cutting boards and countertops with hot, soapy water. Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
2. Separate raw and cooked foods
Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs separate from ready-to-eat foods. Use separate cutting boards and plates and store them separately in the fridge.
3. Cook thoroughly
Food is safely cooked when the inside temperature is high enough to kill germs that can make you sick. The best way to check if food is safely cooked is to use a food thermometer.
- 145º for whole cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb
- 160º for ground meats
- 165º for all poultry
- 145º for fresh ham
- 145º for fin fish or cook until flesh is opaque
Microwave food well by following the cooking times. Let it sit for a few minutes to heat evenly.
4. Refrigerate promptly
Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours. Keep your fridge at 40°F or below and know when to throw food out before it spoils. Thaw frozen food safely.
Food safety at gatherings and special occasions
Whether you're hosting a holiday dinner, a birthday party or a casual get-together, food safety is very important.
When many people gather, food is often served buffet-style. This means there are shared dishes and leftovers. If not handled properly, these can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
To stay safe:
- Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
- Refrigerate leftovers within two hours.
- Avoid leaving perishable items out for too long.
- Wash hands often, especially when handling raw ingredients or serving food.
Following these habits during celebrations helps keep your guests safe. This way, everyone can enjoy the occasion without getting sick.
Stay informed about food recalls and safety alerts
Food recalls and safety alerts are issued often to protect consumers from contaminated or mislabeled products.
You can sign up for free email alerts from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You will receive updates on food recalls, safety alerts and outbreak investigations right in your inbox.