Chef, What Is Foodborne Illness?

A foodborne illness, also known as a foodborne disease and commonly called food poisoning, is any illness resulting from the consumption of food contaminated with infectious or toxic agents. It can affect any person.

The symptoms of food poisoning can last for days and include abdominal pains, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and fever. The symptoms usually come on suddenly but can occur several days after eating contaminated food. Food poisoning usually improves on its own.

Vulnerable Groups

Food poisoning is more likely to affect people with lowered resistance to disease than healthy people who might show mild symptoms or none at all. Elderly or sick people, babies, young children, and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to food poisoning. Extra care should also be taken when preparing food for and looking after these vulnerable groups.