Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating foods contaminated with organisms that cause infections or toxins.

What is going on in the body?

Food poisoning most commonly starts within 2 to 3 hours after eating. The time period can be shorter or much longer, however. Usually, once symptoms start they get worse fairly quickly.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

The most common types of food poisoning are named for the bacteria and organisms that cause the condition. The common types of food poisoning are caused by Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli bacteria. Food poisoning is also caused by S. aureus or Campylobacter as well as by certain viruses, parasites and chemical toxins or mild poisons found in seafood, plants, or contaminated foods.