What is food poisoning?

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'Food poisoning is a non-medical term," says Jay Solnick, MD, professor of medicine and an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine. But it typically means bacteria in the food made you sick. A range of organisms and toxins can cause food poisoning, including Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli 0157: H7, Listeria, and botulism.

High-risk foods include: dairy products, raw seafood, raw eggs, lunch meat, undercooked meat, and poultry.
Symptoms of food poisoning vary, but typically include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Fever can occur, too.

The severity of symptoms, as well as the symptoms themselves, varies. Some people have fever, others don't, Solnick says. Abdominal pain can be mild or severe.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...This answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.

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