San Marinio Foods explains what food poisoning is.

The term food poisoning is an expression used for health problems that arise from eating food that has been contaminated. There are numerous of ways in which food can become contaminated. The contamination occurs due to bacteria, viruses, environmental toxins or pesticides. There are a variety of symptoms that are associated with food poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhoea and nausea.

Food poisoning symptoms will arise when poisonous substances like bacteria, fungus or toxins are present in food. It has become common for food poisoning in this day and age due to as our locality being filled with bacteria. It is possible that you have experienced diarrhoea and an upset stomach and attributed it to a stomach bug or stomach virus when in actuality you had a mild case of food poisoning.

Symptoms
Generally, when affected with food poisoning symptoms, the doctor will check to see if you have the symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, dehydration and stomach cramps to make his/her diagnosis. The doctor can confirm the diagnosis of food poisoning by testing a stool sample which will show if you are in fact suffering from food poisoning.

Most symptoms of food poisoning will clear up quite quickly by themselves. However if the symptoms continue for a significant amount of time then it is important that they are not ignored and medical attention is sought. The group of people who are more likely to suffer from food poisoning are children, the elderly and pregnant women.

Causes
The main cause of food poisoning, as stated above, is contaminated food. The most common types of bacteria that can be found in food are:-

E. coli
Listeria
Salmonella
Bacillus cereus
Campylobacter
Shigella

It usually takes 12-72 hours for the symptoms of food poisoning to make an appearance after consuming contaminated food.

Bad food hygiene is another cause of food poisoning. If food is prepared by handlers who have not followed hygiene requirements such as washing their hands and work surfaces regularly then food contamination will arise. Food that is also incorrectly packaged and stored can also be a reason for contamination to take place.

Treatment
For most adults, mild cases of food poisoning symptoms will disappear in a short space of time without any treatment. However if the symptoms continue for more than 3-4 days then it would be advisable to speak with your doctor. In regards to children and older people medical attention should be sought straight away as their immune systems are not as strong. If possible, keep some of the food that is thought to have caused the food poisoning and a sample of the faeces so these can be tested.

The main aim of the treatment given for food poisoning is normally to prevent dehydration. If it is a severe case of food poisoning then fluids and salts can be given via an intravenous drip in a hospital. There are very rarely any lasting health problems after having food poising. Although in rare cases, if left untreated, there is a risk of septicaemia if the bacterium spreads into the blood system.

If in doubt about having food poisoning, San Marinio Foods advises you to visit your doctor as it is always better to be safe than sorry.