Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating contaminated food. It’s not usually serious and most people get better within a few days without treatment.
In most cases, food is contaminated by bacteria or a virus like:
- campylobacter – the most common cause of food poisoning
- salmonella
- Escherichia coli (E. coli)
- norovirus
- listeria
Food Standards Scotland has further information about bacteria and viruses that can cause food poisoning.
Symptoms of food poisoning
Symptoms of food poisoning include:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- being sick (vomiting)
- diarrhoea, which may contain blood or mucus
- stomach cramps and abdominal pain
- a lack of energy and weakness
- loss of appetite
- a high temperature of 38C or above (fever)
- aching muscles
- chills
The symptoms of food poisoning usually begin within 1 to 2 days of eating contaminated food. They can also start a few hours later or several weeks later.
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