Food poisoning

Food poisoning is caused by eating contaminated food. Bacteria, viruses or toxins which are naturally present in meat, fish or plants are usually the cause of food poisoning. Metals and chemicals in food can also be the cause.

The incubation period (time taken from eating the food to feeling unwell) varies with each type of bacteria and, in some cases, may occur up to 15 days later. This means that the last meal you ate before getting ill may not be the cause of your symptoms.

Many viruses have similar symptoms to food poisoning but may not be food related.

Common causes of food poisoning

Phone 999 or go to A&E if you or your child:

• vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee
• have green vomit (adults)
• have yellow-green or green vomit (children)
• might have swallowed something poisonous
• have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
• have a sudden, severe headache or stomach ache

Find your nearest A&E

Phone 111 now if:

• you’re worried about a baby under 12 months
• your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they’re ill
• a child under 5 years has signs of dehydration – such as fewer wet nappies
• you or your child (over 5 years) still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets
• you or your child keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down
• you or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom
• you or your child have diarrhoea for more than 7 days or vomiting for more than 2 days