‘Oysters are a risk, as is raw meat’: why you get food poisoning
Several kinds of bacteria can give you an upset stomach. Here is how to steer clear of the worst offenders, and what to do if they do make it through
TL;DR
- Food poisoning happens when food is contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or toxins.
- Some bacteria produce toxins before consumption (e.g., Bacillus cereus in rice), causing rapid symptoms like vomiting.
- Other bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli) cause illness after ingestion through gut inflammation.
- Antibiotics are not always prescribed for food poisoning, especially for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, as killing the bacteria can release more toxins.
- Prevention includes thorough handwashing, keeping raw meat separate, cooling cooked food rapidly, proper cooking, and avoiding raw or undercooked meats and oysters.
- Washing chicken is discouraged as it can spread bacteria.
- The main risk of food poisoning is dehydration, managed by drinking fluids and oral rehydration salts.
- Severe cases can lead to sepsis or post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Most food poisoning cases resolve on their own within a few days.