What is a foodborne illness? What are the symptoms?

A foodborne illness occurs when harmful germs, such as bacteria, parasites, or viruses, contaminate the food that you eat, making you sick. These germs may get into food when it’s prepared, processed, or if it’s washed with contaminated water.

When in doubt, throw it out: If you aren’t sure if a food is safe, don’t eat it.

Practicing safe food handling at home, such as thoroughly and regularly washing hands, sanitizing surfaces, and using clean utensils and cooking equipment, can help you avoid foodborne illnesses that can affect your health.

 There are two ways that foodborne illnesses occur:

• Foodborne infection: Consuming food containing harmful germs, such as bacteria, viruses or parasites, can cause foodborne infections. Using a thermometer to ensure your food is heated to the temperature needed to kill any harmful germs in your food and avoiding cross-contamination can help protect you from foodborne infections.
• Foodborne intoxication: Consuming food contaminated with toxins produced by harmful germs can cause foodborne intoxication. This can happen when foods are not stored at the correct temperature. While cooking food can kill harmful germs, heat cannot destroy the toxins they’ve produced, which can make you sick.

The first symptom of foodborne illness is usually diarrhea. You may also feel sick to your stomach, vomit, have stomach cramps, fever, and in severe cases, blood in your stool. Excessive diarrhea and vomiting can cause dehydration.

While most people recover relatively quickly from food poisoning, some may experience lasting health effects. If you suspect you have a foodborne illness, consult your healthcare provider or call Health Link at 811 for guidance.

Report suspected foodborne illness to Alberta Health Services, Environmental Public Health through their online portal.

For more information on food poisoning symptoms, see Foodborne Illness and Safe Food Handling.