Top 7 Symptoms of Food Poisoning Everyone Should Know

The most common symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever. These food sickness symptoms can appear within hours of eating contaminated food and may last for several days. Recognising the early signs helps you take action quickly and avoid serious complications.

What is food poisoning?

Food poisoning, also known as food-borne illness, occurs when you consume food contaminated with harmful pathogens. Common causes include poor hygiene, undercooked meat or seafood and improper storage.

The symptoms of food poisoning often depend on the type of pathogen consumed but usually involve the stomach and digestive system. Anyone can be affected, though young children, pregnant people and older adults are most at risk.

The most common symptoms of food poisoning

Knowing what to look for can help you recover faster and prevent spreading the illness to others. Here are 7 food sickness symptoms you should look out for.

1. Nausea

Feeling queasy or suddenly needing to vomit is one of the first signs of food poisoning. Your body is trying to expel harmful substances before they cause more damage.

Tip: Take small sips of water or electrolyte drinks to stay hydrated.

2. Vomiting

Vomiting often follows nausea and is your body’s way of getting rid of toxins quickly. Frequent vomiting can lead to dehydration, so it’s important to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

3. Diarrhoea

Frequent, watery bowel movements are a clear indicator of food-borne illness. Diarrhoea can last from several hours to a few days depending on the type of germ involved.

If diarrhoea lasts longer than three days, seek medical advice.

4. Abdominal (stomach) cramps

Painful cramps and bloating are common food sickness symptoms caused by the intestines contracting to remove harmful bacteria. Rest, fluids and bland foods can help relieve discomfort.

5. Fever

A mild fever is your body’s natural defence against infection. However, if your temperature rises above 38.5°C and doesn’t go down, it’s best to contact a healthcare professional.

6. Headaches

Dehydration from vomiting or diarrhoea can cause headaches. Drink plenty of fluids and rest to help your body recover.

7. Lethargy (fatigue)

Loss of fluids and nutrients can make you feel weak or unusually tired. Rest as much as possible and eat light, nourishing foods once you can tolerate them.

When should you visit a doctor for food poisoning?

Most food sickness symptoms clear up within 24-72 hours. However, you should see a doctor if you experience:

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea for more than three days
• Blood in vomit or stool
• High fever or confusion
• Signs of severe dehydration

Infants, older adults, pregnant people and those with chronic conditions should seek help sooner.

How to prevent food poisoning

The best way to avoid the getting symptoms of food poisoning is to follow safe food handling practices:

1. Clean and sanitise: Before preparing food, wash your hands thoroughly and ensure all utensils and surfaces are properly cleaned and sanitised
2. Separate: Keep raw meats away from ready-to-eat foods
3. Cook: Cook foods to safe internal temperatures
4. Chill: Refrigerate leftovers within two hours

Reminder: Most food poisoning cases are preventable with proper hygiene and temperature control.

Learn more about food poisoning

The Australian Institute of Food Safety has a range of resources available to educate you on the prevention of food poisoning and food-borne illness. Begin your learning journey with the following blogs:

Understanding Norovirus: Prevention and Workplace Safety

Food Safety and the Different Types of Food Contamination

How Does Contamination Happen in a Refrigerator?

The Importance of Chopping Board Hygiene

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the early symptoms of food poisoning?

A. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea are typically the first food poisoning symptoms to appear.

Q. How long do food sickness symptoms last?

A. Most mild cases last 24-72 hours, though some food-borne illnesses can persist for a week or more.

Q. What are the most common causes of food poisoning?

A. Undercooked meat, raw seafood, unpasteurised dairy and contaminated produce are common sources of food-borne illness.

Q. Can I spread food poisoning to others?

A. Yes. Many types of food poisoning are contagious, especially through unwashed hands or shared surfaces.