Food Poisoning
Illness from eating food contaminated with germs or their toxins, causing vomiting, diarrhoea and tummy pain.
Quick Summary
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, tummy cramps and sometimes fever, starting hours to days after eating.
Rest and fluids, including ORS. Most people recover in a few days without specific treatment.
Eating undercooked meat, eggs or seafood, food left out too long, street food and poor kitchen hygiene.
Overview
Food poisoning is caused by bacteria (such as Salmonella and E. coli), viruses or toxins in food. Symptoms can start within a few hours or after several days.
Most cases are mild. Pregnant women, young children, older people and people with weak immunity are at higher risk of serious illness.
Symptoms
Vomiting
Often sudden.
Diarrhoea
Sometimes with blood or mucus.
Tummy cramps
With nausea and loss of appetite.
Fever
A mild fever is common with bacterial causes.
Causes & Risk Factors
Biological Causes
Germs or toxins in contaminated food or drink irritating and infecting the gut.
Key Risk Factors
- Unsafe food handling Food kept warm for long periods or not refrigerated.
- Undercooked food Meat, eggs and seafood that aren't cooked through.
- Unwashed produce Fruit and vegetables washed in unsafe water.
Management & Treatment
01. Fluids
Sip water and ORS frequently.
02. Rest
Eat bland food when your appetite returns.
03. Medical care
See a doctor for bloody diarrhoea, high fever, dehydration or symptoms lasting more than three days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it last?
Should I take medicine to stop diarrhoea?
How can I prevent it?
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Food Poisoning | Foodborne Illness(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Food poisoning(opens in a new tab) · NHS