how do you get food poisoning

Food poisoning happens when you eat or drink something contaminated with harmful germs, most often bacteria or viruses. Common ways it happens include food that’s undercooked, left out too long, stored at the wrong temperature, handled by someone who is sick, or eaten after its use-by date.

Common causes

• Undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, or seafood.

• Food left at room temperature too long, especially cooked dishes, deli items, or leftovers.

• Cross-contamination from raw meat juices, dirty hands, or contaminated surfaces.

• Unpasteurized milk, juice, or soft cheeses, plus contaminated water or raw produce.

Typical symptoms

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever.

• Symptoms can start within a few hours or take a few days, depending on the germ.

When to get help

Seek medical care if there is bloody diarrhea, severe dehydration, a high fever, or vomiting that won’t stop. Most mild cases improve with fluids and rest, but severe or prolonged symptoms should not be ignored.

Safer food habits

• Cook foods thoroughly and reheat leftovers until steaming hot.

• Refrigerate perishables promptly and avoid leaving food out for more than 2 hours.

• Wash hands, utensils, and cutting boards well, and keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat food.

If you want, I can also give you a quick “what to do if you think you have food poisoning” checklist.