What are sign of be suffering from food poisoning or food borne illness?

Answer 1

Generally, food borne illness or "food poisoning" appears rapidly, within hours, after ingesting bad food. Bacteria make certain proteins that when ingested irritate the stomach lining. A person may have sudden nausea followed quickly with vomiting. However, some bacterial proteins mix with the stomach fluids and end up in the intestines. So diarrhea is next which may be profuse and last several days. Typically, the vomiting and diarrhea rid the body of both the bacteria and its toxic proteins. But some people do develop a short-lived fever. Babies and children are very prone to dehydration resulting from the intense onset of vomiting and diarrhea and inability to hold down any other food/fluids. Under age 5 or in the elderly, food poisoning can be a medical emergency. For older children and adults, avoid eating solid foods. Start the BRAT diet after vomiting stops: Banana, Rice (plain), Applesauce, Toast (plain) and gingerale.

If E-Coli contaminated food (such as unwashed produce, like lettuce) was the culprit, the problems may be more severe and require medical intervention and antibiotics.

DO make sure to throw out the offending food. Make sure cold foods stay cold; hot foods stay hot; and refrigerate as appropriate to each type of food. Always wash produce with water (NOT soap though!) before cutting and wash hands after touching it the first time.