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.
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.
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.
Feeling queasy or suddenly needing to vomit is one of the first symptoms 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.
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.
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.
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.
Loss of fluids and electrolytes can lead to dehydration, which often causes headaches and tiredness. Rest as much as possible and replace lost fluids regularly.
Body aches and joint pain are often linked to viral forms of food poisoning. These aches are a sign your immune system is working to fight the infection.
One of the most serious symptoms of food poisoning is dehydration, especially in children and older adults. Signs include:
Seek immediate medical attention if dehydration becomes severe.
Most food sickness symptoms clear up within 24-72 hours. However, you should see a doctor if you experience:
Infants, older adults, pregnant people and those with chronic conditions should seek help sooner.
The best way to avoid the getting symptoms of food poisoning is to follow safe food handling practices:
Reminder: Most food poisoning cases are preventable with proper hygiene and temperature control.
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
A. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea are typically the first food poisoning symptoms to appear.
A. Most mild cases last 24-72 hours, though some food-borne illnesses can persist for a week or more.
A. Undercooked meat, raw seafood, unpasteurised dairy and contaminated produce are common sources of food-borne illness.
A. Yes. Many types of food poisoning are contagious, especially through unwashed hands or shared surfaces.