What Are the Top Foods That Cause Food Poisoning?

With food poisoning making headlines, you might wonder which foods are the most common culprits. The food poisoning attorneys at our Chicago food poisoning lawyers have provided answers to your questions about foods that cause food poisoning.

Food poisoning—foodborne illness—happens when you eat contaminated or spoiled food. While many bacteria, viruses, and parasites can cause it, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), some foods are more likely to carry them.

• fresh produce
• undercooked or raw chicken, meat, and eggs
• unpasteurized dairy products like raw milk and fruit juices
• raw or undercooked shellfish and fish
• foods that are handled during preparation, like sliced meat, baked goods, salads and cut fruit, and sandwiches
• ready-to-eat and processed meats such as hot dogs or deli meat
• foods that are improperly canned or sealed

Top Foods That Cause Food Poisoning Explained By Andrew Kryder, ESQ.

How Dangerous Is Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, usually lasting a few days. While most cases are mild, some can be severe or life-threatening, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Serious complications, like dehydration or kidney failure from conditions such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), may occur.

What Are Common Food Poisoning Causes?

Food poisoning, or foodborne illness, is caused by consuming contaminated food or drinks. It can occur at any stage of food production—from crop growing to food preparation. Common causes of food poisoning outbreaks include:

Foodborne Illnesses Caused by Bacteria

Common causes of food poisoning include salmonella (from contaminated meat, poultry, eggs, or unpasteurized dairy), E. coli (from undercooked meat, poultry, or contaminated produce), and listeria (from deli meats, soft cheeses, and unpasteurized milk).

Viruses Causing Foodborne Illness Cases

Food poisoning can be caused by viruses like norovirus (spread through improperly handled food or contaminated water) and hepatitis A (transmitted through contaminated food or drinks).

Food Contamination from Parasites

Parasites like toxoplasmosis and trichinosis can cause serious illnesses. Toxoplasmosis is linked to undercooked meat or cat litter, while trichinosis comes from eating raw or undercooked pork or wild game.

Toxins in Contaminated Foods

Some bacteria, like Clostridium botulinum and Staphylococcus aureus, produce toxins that cause food poisoning, often in improperly preserved or poorly stored foods.

What Are Common Symptoms of Food Poisoning?

Common symptoms of food poisoning include dry mouth, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, and headache. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may persist for a few hours to several days, depending on the cause and individual factors.

Less commonly, certain types of food poisoning—such as botulism or fish and shellfish poisoning—can impact your nervous system. Symptoms may include blurred vision, headaches, paralysis, tingling or numbness of the skin, and muscle weakness. Individuals experiencing nervous system symptoms should seek medical attention or visit an emergency room immediately.

How Quickly Do Food Poisoning Symptoms Appear?

Food poisoning symptoms can show up at different times depending on the contaminant. They might start just a few hours after eating contaminated food or take a few days to appear.

What Should I Do If I Suspect I Have Food Poisoning?

If you suspect food poisoning, act quickly. Replace fluids lost from vomiting or diarrhea to prevent dehydration. Avoid solid foods until you feel better and stick to bland options like crackers or toast. If symptoms worsen or include high fever, extreme pain, or severe dehydration, seek medical help immediately. Report suspected cases linked to a restaurant or food product to your local health department to help prevent others from getting sick.

How Can I Prevent Food Poisoning in the Future?

To ensure food safety and prevent foodborne illnesses:

• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before handling or preparing food and after touching raw meat, poultry, or seafood.
• Cook food to the appropriate internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria, using a food thermometer when necessary.
• Store perishable items promptly in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent spoilage.
• Avoid leaving food out at room temperature for extended periods.
• Wash fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking them.
• Regularly clean kitchen surfaces, utensils, and cutting boards.
• Keep raw ingredients separate from ready-to-eat food to prevent cross-contamination.

Do I Have a Food Poisoning Case?

If you or a loved one suffered food poisoning that required medical treatment, you may be eligible for compensation. To file a successful food poisoning claim, you need evidence linking your illness to a specific food or restaurant, proof of contamination through lab tests, and medical records showing the severity of your illness.

If improper food handling caused your illness, contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers. In a free consultation, we’ll review your case, explain your options, and answer your questions.