Foodborne illness: watch for symptoms

Not all bacteria are harmful. Some bacteria are beneficial in aiding digestion and fermenting food, however, food contaminated by certain bacteria, viruses and parasites can make you sick. Many people can have foodborne illness and not even know it. It's sometimes called food poisoning, and it can feel like the flu. Symptoms may include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever.

Symptoms can start soon after eating contaminated food, but they can also happen up to a month later, or even longer. For some people, especially young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, foodborne illness can be very dangerous. Severe illness can also cause chronic diarrhea, paralysis, and acute kidney failure.

It is possible to prevent foodborne illness! Find out more about causes and risks by following the links below.

• sign up to receive email notifications of food recalls/allergy alerts
• causes of foodborne illness
• food risks
• Reporting a food safety incident

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