Getting sick from eating or drinking is something that all consumers want to avoid as they have their daily meals. Notably, in some cases, foodborne illness can be quite serious. Foodborne illnesses are caused by microbes or harmful chemicals (toxins) within a food or beverage. It can be linked to consumption of a variety of foods; fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products and drinking water are among the top items that can harbor these microbes or chemicals that can lead to foodborne illnesses or “food poisoning.” First alert symptoms include stomach pains and/or nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect you have gotten sick from something you ate, you should contact your doctor immediately.

1. FOODBORNE
ILLNESSES 101
WHAT ARE THEY, HOW DO YOU
GET THEM, AND WHAT TO DO IF
YOU THINK YOU HAVE ONE
WHAT ARE THEY?
Foodborne illnesses are infections
caused by a variety of bacteria,
viruses, parasites, and toxins found on
or in foods and beverages.
HOW DO YOU GET ONE?
Foodborne illnesses are caused by
consuming contaminated food and
beverages (including recreational and
drinking water), or coming in contact
with a person who is infected.
WHICH FOODS CAUSE THEM?
Any food can be contaminated, but it
is most common in raw meat, eggs,
and shellfish; unpasteurized milk and
juice; and fresh fruits and
vegetables.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The most common symptoms include
diarrhea and/or vomiting, as well as
abdominal cramps and pain, nausea,
fever, and fatigue.
SHOULD YOU GO TO THE DOCTOR?
For more info go to www.FoodInsight.org
If you suspect that you have a
foodborne illness, go to the doctor
and contact your local public health
department so that they are able to
identify potential foodborne illness
outbreaks.