Food poisoning

Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating or drinking food that has been contaminated by germs.

What are the symptoms of food poisoning?

The usual symptoms are diarrhoea, sickness and stomach-ache, sometimes accompanied by headache, tiredness and a high temperature. Food poisoning bacteria take quite a long time to reproduce inside the human gut and some people are more resistant than others so it may be some time before there are enough bacteria to cause illness. Do not therefore assume that food poisoning is a result of the last meal you ate - it can take two, or even three or more, days before symptoms show.

There is generally no treatment, but sufferers should drink plenty of fluids and rest. Symptoms usually last a few days, but if they persist, or become severe, then a doctor should be consulted.

Food poisoning can spread very easily, especially in families, nurseries and schools. Wash hands properly after using the toilet to avoid spreading the infection.

Anyone who has eaten contaminated or poisoned food can suffer from food poisoning; however the very young, elderly, pregnant women, and people that are unwell, are particularly vulnerable.

Anyone who works with food or in food shops and restaurants should contact their local Environmental Health Department for advice. Staff in food businesses, health care facilities, nurseries and premises catering for special needs may be excluded from work to prevent spread of infection.

Further information can be obtained from the Food Standards Agency (a copy of Food Handlers: Fitness to Work (2009) is available from the Food Standards Agency), or the  Public Health Laboratory Service.

What foods are associated with food poisoning?

You can get food poisoning from a variety of foods. However, certain types of foods can support bacteria more easily than others - these include:

  • partially cooked or raw meat products (both red meat and poultry)
  • undercooked burgers and sausages
  • dairy products (especially unpasteurised), such as milk, cream and soft cheese
  • uncooked egg products such as eggs, mayonnaise, chocolate mousse and any product which contains uncooked egg
  • shellfish

This list is in no way exhaustive and because some foods can support bacteria more easily than others, it doesn't mean that those foods should be avoided.

What are the common causes of food poisoning?

There are five main causes of food poisoning:

  • bacteria and their toxins
  • viruses
  • chemicals and metals
  • poisonous plants
  • allergic reactions

What are the most common types of food poisoning?

There are several types of food poisoning bacteria which can cause illness in humans; these are the most common:

  • campylobacter (food borne infection)
  • salmonella
  • e-coli
  • clostridium perfringens
  • staphylococcus aureus

The main faults which result in food poisoning outbreaks are:

  • food prepared too far in advance and stored at room temperature
  • cooling food too slowly
  • not re-heating food to high enough temperatures to destroy food poisoning bacteria
  • under-cooking food
  • not thawing frozen poultry for sufficient time
  • cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat foods
  • storing hot food below 63°C
  • infected food handlers
  • eating raw food such as eggs, milk and shellfish
  • eating cooked food that has been left out of the fridge and has been contaminated with food poisoning bacteria

How do I know I have food poisoning and not a stomach upset?

The only way you will find out if you are suffering from food poisoning is by submitting a faecal sample to your doctor. This sample will then be sent away to be tested. If the sample is positive for any food poisoning bacteria, then the results will be sent through to your environmental health department and your doctor. The environmental health department may contact you to investigate further.

What should I do if I believe I have food poisoning from eating at a food establishment in the Royal Borough?

Take details of when, where, what you ate, the symptoms you had or have. You should also visit your doctor as a stool specimen will need to be sent for analysis.

Food poisoning allegations and investigations

Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) have a responsibility to investigate incidences of food poisoning. If a restaurant or food shop is implicated, the EHO will carry out an inspection of the premises and this may include taking food samples for examination. Mainly the EHO will be looking at what bacterial risks arise from the type of food handled in the business and how food is stored, prepared, cooked, and served. See the Inspections and enforcement page.

What can the Council not deal with in relation to a food complaint?

It is the Council's policy that if the complainant is seeking compensation or a refund, then the department will not investigate the complaint. The complainant in this case will be advised to instruct solicitors to act on behalf of them or directly contact the vendor or manufacturer.