Food Poisoning Causes

Food poisoning is a common condition and millions of people get affected by it every year. It is caused due to accidental consumption of contaminated foodstuff. Although children are found to be more susceptible to this condition, adults can also contract it. Food poisoning is one of the major types of gastrointestinal diseases which can be mild or even fatal. Causes of it are differentiated in various categories as there are large number of potential causes.

What Causes Food Poisoning

As mentioned above, along with bacteria, virus and parasites, several other toxic substances can also lead to food poisoning.

Bacteria
Campylobacter, Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Botulism, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus, Clostridium, etc. are the common types of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Botulism food poisoning causes include consumption of foods containing botulin like sea foods, green beans and beets. These bacteria are mostly found in foodstuffs like meat, poultry, milk products, processed foods, cheese, etc.

Viruses
Noroviruses, Rotavirus, etc. are viruses that lead to food poisoning. This infection can be contracted by consuming sea food and processed food.

Parasites
The common parasites that cause food poisoning in children and adults are protozoa, roundworms, and tapeworms. Along with these, micro-organisms that are not visible to the naked eye can also lead to this disease. Parasites are also mostly found in meats, sea food and exotic foods. However, parasitic food poisoning is rare as compared to other causes.

Toxic Substances
Toxic substances found in foods like artificial flavorings and sweeteners, exotic foods like mushroom, barracuda, seafood, etc., can also result in food poisoning in children and adults. Pesticides sprayed on fruits and vegetables also cause this infection.

Contamination of foods occur at different levels and hence, tracing the exact cause can be difficult. For e.g., staphylococcal food poisoning causes include consuming contaminated milk. Food poisoning can be caused due to the following reasons.

• Consuming contaminated/ infected food
• Consuming food that is stale, uncooked, left in open for long time, not covered
• Consuming dry meat or fruits and vegetables that are not washed
• Consuming processed foodstuffs past their expiry date
• Meat / sea food is purchased from unknown unhygienic slaughter houses
• Water used for cooking can be contaminated
• The cook can be suffering from an infectious disease
• The cook / food server may have unhygienic habits/ may not follow cleanliness
• Utensils and cutlery used for cooking may be contaminated
• Animals/ pets/ rodents coming in contact with food
• Food not boiled/ cooked/ thawed properly

Food poisoning signs in children and adults include nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, stomach cramps, dehydration, etc. Sometimes, in case of minor infection, one may suffer from minor symptoms which can be treated with over-the-counter medicines or home remedies. On the other hand, severe food poisoning can lead to unconsciousness due to dehydration which can be fatal.

Although you may take the utmost care during pregnancy, food poisoning can also occur due to consumption of processed foods. Therefore, it is advisable to consume as much fresh and homemade food as possible. Secondly, if eating out, avoid going for exotic foods like exotic cheeses, smoked seafood, etc. Thirdly, pregnant women are advised to avoid street food, or if one wishes to have, she should have vegetarian food to avoid risk of infections.

If one observes any symptoms, he should take quick medical treatment to avoid the condition from becoming severe. Food poisoning can be prevented by following healthy food habits and following proper measures of cleanliness and hygiene. Lastly, note that it is also wise to eat at good places when eating outside, to reduce the risk of infection to a great extent. Take care!