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Physical Contamination in Food

Physical contamination in food can be a real threat to eaters. Recalls for foreign contaminate can happen for everything from ground beef to cookie dough mix. Contamination can accidentally enter the food supply during manufacturing or when it is being prepared at restaurants and at home.

Listeria

Here are some basic facts about this disease.

Food poisoning timeline

The food poisoning timeline can begin immediately, especially if it is a chemical contaminant. For bacterial, viral or parasitic agents that cause food poisoning the start of symptoms will vary from a few hours to a few weeks. The CDC provides the following table of some of the possible contaminants, when you might start to feel symptoms and common ways the organism is spread.

How to report food poisoning and what to do if you have food poisoning

iwaspoisoned.com

Report food poisoning at iwaspoisoned.com

If you have food poisoning please report it to IWasPoisoned.com. The vast majority of public health agencies in the United States subscribe, as do health officials in many other countries. Our site is trusted by tens of thousands of people each year who have food poisoning and we have caught many outbreaks as a result.

Food poisoning symptoms can depend on a lot of factors

Food poisoning symptoms may range from mild to severe and can differ significantly depending of the contaminant, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The most common symptoms of food poisoning are:

Upset stomach
Stomach cramps
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever

What is food poisoning...

It is illness caused by contaminated food or water. It is very common, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are 48 million cases every year in the US. It can be spread through contaminated food or water. It can often resolve within days. Infectious organisms or their toxins are common causes of food poisoning. Food poisoning symptoms may include cramping, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Food poisoning often resolves without treatment. Adequate hydration is an important part of treatment.

US

Outbreaks

CDC investigating a multistate Listeria outbreak - No source identified yet

Recalls

Canada

Recalls

Whole Foods Market recalled raw beef and raw veal products due to E.Coli possible contamination

Why should I report food poisoning?

Help prevent further incidents of food poisoning.

Each year, millions of people get food poisoning and thousands die

To control nausea and vomiting be sure to avoid solid foods until the vomiting ends.

Taking slow, small sips of liquids can help avoid vomiting and dehydration.

How, when, and if you become ill after eating contaminated food will depend on the ‘bug’, but also the amount of exposure, your age, and your health. Food poisoning can be especially dangerous, and even life-threatening, for people with weakened immune systems.

Often lasting several days, the length of food poisoning will depend on several factors like the kind of bacteria or virus you contracted, and the state of your immune system.

Infectious organisms like bacteria, viruses and parasites are the most common causes of food poisoning.

Food poisoning is caused by eating contaminated food that is handled or cooked incorrectly before it reaches your plate.

Stay hydrated and replenish the fluids your body is losing to diarrhea or vomiting.

Properly restore electrolytes by drinking beverages like Pedialyte, Ceralyte, or Oralyte to prevent dehydration. Sports drinks like Gatorade should not be used because they do not restore the necessary balance.

If you're able to keep down fluids do, slowly introduce foods that are easy to digest like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast; commonly referred to as the ‘BRAT’ diet.

If you experience symptoms of food poisoning, such as diarrhea or vomiting, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

You should seek medical attention from your doctor or healthcare provider if you have symptoms including any of the following:

The most common symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, upset stomach, stomach cramps or abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

Incorporating vegetables into your diet provides health benefits, especially when you select and prepare them in a safe manner. It is extremely important to add vegetables in your diet because it provides you with nutrients that help you avoid heart disease, stroke, and cancer. To some, eating vegetables help them lose weight.

However, some raw vegetables may have dangerous microorganisms. If food safety procedures are not followed, it can cause food poisoning or worse, viral infections -

Questions:

1. What inspired you to get into your profession?

When I was in college, during breaks I was performing asbestos abatement for a private company. I got paid a lot of money however it was grueling work. We would be toiling in our PPE sweating in 100+heat, in tight and dark spaces, using jackhammers, etc. Once in a while a guy would show up, spend maybe 5 minutes in the danger

zone, collect some samples and get back out. I noticed he wore a suit and drove a new BMW. I asked him what he did and he replied he was...

Millions of people get food poisoning every year, and thousands die. The annual economic cost is in the billions.

Food poisoning often improves without treatment in a few days. During that time you should drink fluids to prevent dehydration. Read more

Recent Interesting Reports

Walmart Supercenter, Mutual Way, Appleton, WI, USA

Report Type: Food Poisoning

Symptoms: Diarrhea Nausea Vomiting Other Fever Headache Chills Sweating

Dec 25 2019 at 2:57 PM

Walmart Supercenter, Mutual Way, Appleton, WI, USA, photo #1 Report Food Poisoning Now. Protect Others

“Purchased MARKETSIDE All American half sub on Sunday 12/22/19. Ate 1/2 of it at work Monday and within 45 minutes felt sick weak nauseous. Worked thru rest of day. Got home and felt worse chills and sweats making it unbearable to sleep. Went to work next day,Tuesday still feeling like... See More crap. At break not thinking anything of it had bit of appetite and ate rest of sub. Immediately felt sick and have had uncontrollable shaking with sweats, neck n joint pain, headaches, fever nausea and diarrhea. Tried calling but it being xmas I believe they may be closed. Did take wrapper out of trash if need be shown ”
Reported By Iwaspoisoned.com User

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Stop & Shop, 11 Glen Ridge Rd, Greenwich, CT 06831, United States

Report Type: Food Poisoning

Symptoms: Diarrhea Nausea Vomiting Other Weakness

Jan 2 2020 at 3:49 PM

Stop & Shop, 11 Glen Ridge Rd, Greenwich, CT 06831, United States, photo #1 Report Food Poisoning Now. Protect Others

“It was myself I ate food I purchased on dec 23 I ate cold cuts it was salami purchased at the deli counter. I went to the greenwich hospital on dec 24 and had to stay until Dec 26 I am still very weak The deli person did not change... See More gloves and he touched everything before cutting my salami looking for the right product he also touched meat another deli person was cutting ”
Reported By Iwaspoisoned.com User

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Chili's Grill & Bar, Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX, USA

Report Type: Food Poisoning

Symptoms: Diarrhea Nausea Vomiting

Jan 22 2020 at 12:13 AM

“I went on Monday (1/20/2020) and ordered buffalo boneless wings and Spinach dip, chips and salsa. This was around 4:30 pm. By 10 pm, I was throwing up and started with diarrhea. I also had a sharp pain in my stomach. I threw up all night and kept going to... See More the restroom. By 6 am, I had to go to the Emergency room. I was dehydrated from all the vomiting. My sister and nephew, who also went with me had to go to the Emergency Room also. They had the same symptoms. All three of us had sweet tea and shared the salsa and chips appetizer. ”
Reported By Iwaspoisoned.com User

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Chipotle Mexican Grill, Mentor Avenue, Mentor, OH, USA

Report Type: Food Poisoning

Symptoms: Diarrhea Vomiting Other Cramps Stomach Pain

Dec 30 2019 at 11:11 AM

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Mentor Avenue, Mentor, OH, USA, photo #1 Report Food Poisoning Now. Protect Others

“I ordered delivery at 830 last night for me and my sister. We both ate our food. Starting around 2:30 am I was having severe stomach cramps. I went to the bathroom and had violent vomiting with diarrhea. I have never had stomach pain like this before. I messaged my... See More sister, who happened to be awake too because she was having severe stomach cramping and diarrhea. I had a barbacoa bowl with rice beans lettuce and sour cream. She had a chicken bowl with rice beans lettuce and sour cream. We were the only two to eat it and the only two to become violently ill. ”
Reported By Iwaspoisoned.com User

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Taco Bell, 6715 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA 70003, USA

Report Type: Food Poisoning

Symptoms: Diarrhea Nausea Vomiting Other Sweating Stomach Pain

Jan 7 2020 at 12:08 PM

Taco Bell, 6715 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA 70003, USA, photo #1 Report Food Poisoning Now. Protect Others

“On October 9th I purchased food from this location, later that night I woke up with sharp stomach pain... Throwing up sweating diarrhea I could barely move. About a week after that food poisoning incident I noticed my stomach felt weird everyday after I ate after that. It now bleeds... See More when I use the bathroom and mucus. I’m always gassy and have to use the bathroom immediately after eating ”
Reported By Iwaspoisoned.com User

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CAVA, Wisconsin Avenue, D.C., DC, USA

Report Type: Food Poisoning

Symptoms: Nausea Vomiting Headache Chills

Dec 29 2019 at 4:28 PM

CAVA, Wisconsin Avenue, D.C., DC, USA, photo #1 Report Food Poisoning Now. Protect Others

“Arugula or chicken My husband and I took our 2 teenage kids last night around 7-7:30 pm for take out dinner. My husband and I ordered supergreen mix with falafel and dips and neither of us got sick. My son asked for arugula because it wasn’t out so they went... See More and got him some arugula. My daughter and son both ate the arugula with chicken. My son started vomiting about 4 am and my daughter about 6 am. They have vomited at least 10 times each. My daughter just vomited again a few minutes ago. I went there at noon today to let them know there might be something wrong with their arugula or chicken. My daughter only ate half her dinner so I have saved it in a plastic bag and I only ate half of mine so I have that too saved. ”
Reported By Iwaspoisoned.com User

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The Maharaja-A Boutique Fine Dining Indian Restaurant, Heritage Hills Boulevard, Mississauga, ON, Canada

Report Type: Food Poisoning

Symptoms: Diarrhea Vomiting Stomach Pain

Dec 28 2019 at 1:02 PM

“Had family dinner there at 7:00pm on December 22, 2019. My wife started vomiting and diarrhea right after midnight. I had stomachache and daughter had also similar problems while in flight. The food items like Shahi Seekh Kebab and Haryali chicken were not fresh and the Manger admitted it in... See More several telephone call. After suffering for 2-3 days, my wife had to visit Emergency for recovery. I had to take off. ”
Reported By Iwaspoisoned.com User

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Mom's Meal Frozen Swedish style meatballs, Cleveland, OH, USA

Report Type: Food Poisoning

Symptoms: Diarrhea Nausea

Jan 18 2020 at 7:09 PM

Mom's Meal Frozen Swedish style meatballs, Cleveland, OH, USA, photo #1 Report Food Poisoning Now. Protect Others

“Mom's Meal frozen prepared meal (Swedish style meatballs with creamy mushroom sauce over pasta and peas & carrots) Ate it on evening of Jan. 7, 2020...got sick approximately 2 hours after.. diarrhea and nausea ”
Reported By Iwaspoisoned.com User

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|1 person found this review helpful

Marks & Spencer Addington Croydon BP, 215 Selsdon Park Road, Croydon, South Croydon CR2 8JH, United Kingdom

Report Type: Food Poisoning

Symptoms: Diarrhea Nausea Fever Vomiting Cramps Sweating

Dec 30 2019 at 11:59 AM

Marks & Spencer Addington Croydon BP, 215 Selsdon Park Road, Croydon, South Croydon CR2 8JH, United Kingdom, photo #1 Report Food Poisoning Now. Protect Others

“Chicken bites I ate chicken bites they tasted different than usual, then 5 hours later I woke up being sick, diarrhoea, cold and hot sweats, stomach cramps and a very high temperate. I went to the doctors and it was confirmed that I had good poisoning. This was the only... See More thing I ate all day ”
Reported By Iwaspoisoned.com User

Helpful

Greek Kitchen, West Washington Street, Chicago, IL, USA

Report Type: Food Poisoning

Symptoms: Diarrhea Nausea Cramps Dizziness Stomach Pain Gas

Dec 30 2019 at 5:46 PM

Greek Kitchen, West Washington Street, Chicago, IL, USA, photo #1 Report Food Poisoning Now. Protect Others

“Greek Kitchen pita with falafal, taziki, hummus, onions. 1 person got sick. severe diarrhea and abdominal pain and cramping within 30-40 min of consumption. Severe abdominal pain, gas, dizziness and continued diarrhea continues 4 hours after consuming sandwich. ”
Reported By Iwaspoisoned.com User

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