Learn

• Food poisoning and Over The Counter medication. What you need to know.
  Food poisoning can be very painful and difficult to endure, and although it can commonly resolve on it's own without treatment, in some cases over the counter (OTC) medications help relieve some symptoms, and can assist with the road to recovery. Food poisoning can be very painful and difficult to endure, and although it can commonly resolve on it's own without treatment, in some cases over the counter (OTC) medications help relieve some symptoms, and can assist with the road to recovery..
• Giardia and Food Poisoning
  What is giardia? Giardiasis is a type of foodborne illness caused by a microscopic parasite called Giardia Lamblia or Giarda duodenalis (commonly known as "giardia"). It is most commonly found in developing countries that lack sanitation and water quality control. Read more Giardiasis is a type of foodborne illness caused by a microscopic parasite called Giardia Lamblia or Giarda duodenalis (commonly known as "giardia"). It is most commonly found in developing countries that lack sanitation and water quality control.
• Food Poisoning Botulism
  What is botulism? Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum toxin. The neurotoxin releases a poison that mainly attacks the body’s nerves which then leads to difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and even death. Read more Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum toxin. The neurotoxin releases a poison that mainly attacks the body’s nerves which then leads to difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and even death.
• Fruit and Food Safety - What You Need To Know
  What You Need To Know About Fruit and Food safety Raw fruits and vegetables can carry harmful germs such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria that can cause illness. A large percentage of foodborne illnesses are caused by  fruit and vegetables. Germs on the peel or skin may enter and contaminate the fruit, so even if you don't intend to eat the peel, always wash or scrub fruits and vegetables under running water before eating. Read more Raw fruits and vegetables can carry harmful germs such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria that can cause illness. A large percentage of foodborne illnesses are caused by fruit and vegetables. Germs on the peel or skin may enter and contaminate the frui
• Food Delivery & Food Safety: What You Need To Know
  Food Safety Food Delivery Are food delivery businesses ensuring food safety? Maybe. For example, Iwaspoisoned.com has reports of customers nationwide reporting that food from delivery workers and restaurant partners have been responsible for making them sick, impacting their health, and creating unnecessary risks. Read more Food delivery is increasingly popular, and food safety is an important consideration for consumers. Delivery drivers and food workers who prepare to-go orders need proper training to prevent the spread of foodborne illness. Cross-contamination, hygiene, a
• Cross Contamination of Food: What You Need to Know
  Every year, an estimated 600 million people in the US are plagued by either hunger or food poisoning. In this article, we discuss the definition of cross contamination and list down the different types and what you can do to prevent it. Read more Every year, an estimated 600 million people in the US are plagued by either hunger or food poisoning. In this article, we discuss the definition of cross contamination and list down the different types and what you can do to prevent it.
• Shigella: What You Need to Know
  Shigella is a bacteria that causes an intestinal infection in a person when ingested. This infection is commonly known as shigellosis. It is a problem everywhere, especially in developing countries, but is also prevalent in the US, with approximately 500,000 cases each year. Shigellosis is most commonly found in crowded places like schools, daycare centers, nursing homes, or any place with a lack of sanitation. Read More   Shigella is a bacteria that causes an intestinal infection in a person when ingested. This infection is commonly known as shigellosis. It is a prevalent problem in the US, with approximately 500,000 cases each year.
• Campylobacter: What You Need to Know
  Campylobacter infection is a type of food poisoning that affects about 1.5 million people yearly in the U.S. It's usually acquired by consuming contaminated water and foods - especially raw or undercooked poultry. A campylobacter's main hosts are poultry and livestock. It lives inside the animal's digestive system and these animals can carry this bacteria with no symptoms and show no signs at all. Sometimes, a cow's udder comes into contact with infected cow manure or any other livestock feces, thereby causing an infection and contaminating the milk production of the cow. In other cases, the bacteria may reside in water and sewers. Read more... Campylobacter infection is a type of food poisoning that affects about 1.5 million people yearly in the U.S. It's usually acquired by consuming contaminated water and foods - especially raw or undercooked poultry.
• Vibrio: What You Need to Know
  Vibrio is a curved-rod-shaped bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It usually results from eating contaminated raw or undercooked seafood like shellfish. When you acquire the illness, the onset of symptoms usually starts from 12-24 hours after consuming a contaminated dish. Symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, and chills. A vibrio infection can last up to 2 to 3 days after symptoms start appearing. Sometimes, it lasts a little bit longer when the symptoms become severe and would therefore need the attention of a medical practitioner. Read more... Vibrio is a bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It usually results from eating contaminated raw or undercooked seafood. Symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, and chills. Here is what you need to know
• E. coli: What You Need to Know
  Escherichia coli, which is normally found in the digestive system of healthy people and animals, can be benign--causing only mild diarrhea. However, sometimes it can lead to severe stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea. If you are among the few who get infected with E. coli O157:H7, you will likely recover from mild symptoms within a week but if you have persistent, severe, or bloody diarrhea, contact your doctor. Read more... Escherichia coli, which is normally found in the digestive system of healthy people and animals, can be benign, causing only mild diarrhea. However, sometimes it can lead to severe stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea.
• Norovirus vs Coronavirus: What are the Key Differences?
  As the world starts to lift restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, other common viruses will likely make a return as the general population returns to pre-pandemic activity and behavior. In the UK, for example, by July 2021 cases of norovirus are 72% higher than they were during the same period last year. With COVID-19 still circulating, people may start to confuse norovirus with coronavirus and vice versa. This may present issues when it comes to diagnosis and treatment. Is it wise to obtain a test, for example? Are there certain home remedies that may be more effective for norovirus than COVID-19? How can you avoid falling ill in the first place? To help put your mind at rest and make appropriate preparations to deal with these viruses, we’ve put together a handy guide to their primary similarities and differences. Read more... With Covid-19 still circulating, and a resurgence of Norovirus, people may start to confuse norovirus with coronavirus and vice versa. This may present issues when it comes to diagnosis and treatment. Is it wise to obtain a test, for example? Are there ce
• Food Poisoning and Diarrhea: What you need to know
  Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of food poisoning.  It may begin within hours or take days—sometimes weeks—to appear after eating contaminated food. The main complication of diarrhea is dehydration.  Many types of food poisoning can cause diarrhea,  and the onset of diarrhea can vary depending on the type of  contamination. While diarrhea is usually not more than an uncomfortable illness, it can lead to dehydration. If you experience symptoms, increase your fluid intake. If your symptoms last more than a day or two, get worse, or becomes severe, call your doctor. Read more Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of food poisoning.  It may begin within hours or take days—sometimes weeks—to appear after eating contaminated food. The main complication of diarrhea is dehydration. If your symptoms last more than a day or two
• Salmonella: What You Need to Know
  Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It is usually present in raw eggs, meat, and poultry. Salmonella can also be found on the outside of fruit and vegetables that have not been washed well before being eaten. Symptoms of Salmonella include diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, chills or headache. If you experience these symptoms within 12 hours after consuming anything from this list: raw eggs (including eggnog), uncooked meats (including ground beef), unpasteurized milk or juice products containing apple or pear juices; contact your doctor immediately! Read more Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It is usually present in raw eggs, meat, and poultry. Salmonella can also be found on the outside of fruit and vegetables that have not been washed well before being eaten.
• What are Foodborne Parasites?
  Many parasites can be transmitted via food. Protozoans including Cyclospora cayetanensis, Cryptosporidium spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Giardia intestinalis are common foodborne parasites in the U.S. Others include tapeworms Taenia spp and Diphyllobothrium spp., and roundworms such as Anisakis spp. and Trichinella spp. A number of these infectious organisms may also be spread via contaminated soil, water or contact with an infected person.  Read more
• What is Ciguatera Fish Poisoning?
  Of the many known seafood illnesses, Ciguatera Fish Poisoning is the most reported among travelers and occurs when people ingest ciguatoxins. All kinds of reef fish produce the toxin, the following species are most susceptible: red snapper, barracuda, moray eel, parrotfish, grouper, hogfish, kingfish, amberjack, sea bass, sturgeon fish, and coral trout. Read more Ciguatera Fish Poisoning is the most reported among. The following reef fish species are most susceptible: red snapper, barracuda, moray eel, parrotfish, grouper, hogfish, kingfish, amberjack, sea bass, sturgeon fish, and coral trout.
• What is Viral Gastroenteritis?
  Gastroenteritis refers to an infection of the gut and is known as food poisoning when caused by food contaminated with virus(e.g.norovirus), bacteria(e.g salmonella), and parasites(e.g Giardia). Gastroenteritis symptoms range in severity and can start within hours of eating contaminated food. Read more
• What is Scombroid Poisoning?
  Scombroid poisoning can occur when consuming improperly preserved fish. The scombroid toxin has been reported in amberjack, bluefish, albacore, Australian salmon, herring, anchovy, mackerel, saury, herring, needlefish. Mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, sardine, wahoo, skipjack, and kahawai may also pass scombroid. The toxin acts as a histamine and is produced following the growth of bacteria in improperly stored fish.  Read more
• What is Listeria?
  Listeria food poisoning symptoms include fever, headache, and tiredness in mild cases, but severe infections can lead to death. Listeria is commonly linked to ready-to-eat foods but occurs in frozen foods as well. Listeria risk is minimized by pasteurization or thoroughly heating food to 165 degrees. Read more
• What is the Hepatitis A Virus?
  One of the most important organs in your body is your liver. Responsible for detoxification, your liver also helps in digestion and also allows you to store energy. When infected, your liver might be unable to carry out these functions. Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV).   Read more
• What is Gastritis?
  If your stomach lining is inflamed, you may be diagnosed with Gastritis. This condition may be acute or chronic but can be treated using acid reducers like antacid, or antibacterial medication if the condition was triggered by bacteria. Chronic gastritis is less common, usually affecting 2 out of 10,000 individuals, while acute gastritis is most commonly reported with 8 cases in every 1,000 individuals. Read more
• What is Cyclospora?
  Cryptosporidiosis is an infection by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite that may be transmitted by ingesting food, water, or feces containing the parasite. You may also become infected if you touch your mouth after using the toilet without properly washing your hands. People suffering from cryptosporidiosis often report watery diarrhea. Read more
• What is Colitis?
  Inflamed colon (or large intestine) is also referred to as colitis. Colitis can be caused by food poisoning due to disease-causing organisms like Salmonella and Escherichia coli. The condition may also be a result of autoimmune reactions and a shortage of blood supply to the colon. Regardless of its cause, people suffering from colitis normally report symptoms including diarrhea and abdominal pain.  Read more
• What is Norovirus?
  Norovirus infection usually begins with diarrhea and vomiting that are often mistaken for flu, and hence the infection being termed the stomach flu. Norovirus infection can become severe without prompt medical attention. The highly contagious virus can be spread via food, water, contaminated surfaces, and close contact with infected persons.  Read more
• 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. Read more Physical contamination can accidentally enter the food supply during manufacturing or when it is being prepared at restaurants and at home. Click here to learn more about physical contaminants.
• About Listeria: Symptoms & Signs
  Listeria Here are some basic facts about this disease. Read more What is Listeria? Learn about Listeria and some of the Symptoms & Signs. Click to read more
• Food poisoning timeline and when you should see a doctor?
  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. Read more
• How to report food poisoning and what to do if you have food poisoning
  Report food poisoning at iwaspoisoned.com If you have food poisoning report it to IWasPoisoned.com. Public health agencies throughout the United States subscribe, as do health officials in many other countries. Iwaspoisoned is a trusted site, and with the help of consumer reporting has detected many outbreaks in real time, preventing further harm as a result. Read more If you have food poisoning report it to IWasPoisoned.com. Public health agencies throughout the United States subscribe, as do health officials in many other countries. Iwaspoisoned is a trusted site, and with the help of consumer reporting has detected m
• What are food poisoning symptoms?
  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 Read more
• Food Poisoning - What You Need to Know
  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. Read more Food poisoning is illness caused by contaminated food or water. It is common, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 48 million cases every year in the US. It can often resolve within days. Infectious organisms or their toxin
• Why should I report food poisoning?
  Help prevent further incidents of food poisoning.   Each year, millions of people get food poisoning and thousands die Read more
• How do I stop throwing up from food poisoning?
      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. Read more
• I ate with others, why don’t we all have the same symptoms?
      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. Read more
• How long does food poisoning last?
      How long does food poisoning last? Foodborne diseases, in general, refer to more than 250 kinds of disease-causing germs. In the majority of people with mild to moderate symptoms of food poisoning (viral and bacterial), symptoms may resolve in about 24 to 48 hours and there is no additional medical treatment needed. But food poisoning can also take more than a few days or even weeks to resolve. Any signs of dehydration or blood to your stool for more than 72 hours should be evaluated medically. Seek medical help if you suspect something unusual about the symptoms you are experiencing. Read more In the majority of people with mild to moderate symptoms of food poisoning, symptoms may resolve in about 24 to 48 hours and there is no additional medical treatment needed. But food poisoning can also take more than a few days or even weeks to resolve.
• What are the most common food poisoning ‘bugs’?
      Infectious organisms like bacteria, viruses and parasites are the most common causes of food poisoning. Read more
• How does food poisoning happen?
    Food poisoning is caused by eating contaminated food that is handled or cooked incorrectly before it reaches your plate.   Read more
• What helps food poisoning?
      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. Read more
• What should I do if I have food poisoning, should I see a doctor?
  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: Read more
• Do I have food poisoning?
  The most common symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, upset stomach, stomach cramps or abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.   Read more
• Food Preparation Safety for Vegetable Dishes
  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 - Read more
• Meet Environmental Health! Interview 1 - Dave Banaszynski
  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...  Read More
• Why Report Food Poisoning?
  Millions of people get food poisoning every year, and thousands die. The annual economic cost is in the billions. Read more
• Got food poisoning, what do I do ?
  Food poisoning often improves without treatment in a few days. During that time you should drink fluids to prevent dehydration. Read more