--- title: "Food poisoning: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | HealthAnswers" description: "A plain-English guide to food poisoning — symptoms, how long it lasts, home treatment, and when to seek help." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/food-poisoning/ robots: noindex --- # Food poisoning: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | HealthAnswers Health A–Z A plain-English guide to food poisoning — symptoms, how long it lasts, home treatment, and when to seek help. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What is food poisoning? Food poisoning is illness caused by eating food contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses or parasites. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps, usually starting within hours to days of eating affected food. Most people recover within a few days with rest and fluids — seek help if you cannot keep fluids down or have signs of dehydration. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Food poisoning, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 8 sections ## Key facts about food poisoning - Symptoms often start suddenly — vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps. - Most cases resolve within a few days without specific treatment. - Rest, fluids and oral rehydration salts are the main treatment. - Raw meat, unpasteurised products, and food left out too long are common causes. - Report suspected food poisoning from a restaurant or shop to your local environmental health team. ## What is food poisoning? Food poisoning is illness caused by eating food or drink contaminated with harmful **bacteria**, **viruses**, **parasites**, or their toxins. It causes inflammation of the stomach and gut, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps. Most cases are unpleasant but short-lived. Food poisoning is different from catching a stomach bug from another person — though the symptoms can feel similar. ## Symptoms Food poisoning symptoms often come on suddenly and may include: - nausea and vomiting - watery or bloody diarrhoea - stomach cramps and pain - a high temperature - headache and general weakness Symptoms may start within **hours** of eating contaminated food (for example with toxins from Staphylococcus) or take **several days** (for example with Salmonella or E. coli). The timing can help identify the cause. ## Common causes Contamination can happen at any stage — production, storage, cooking or serving: - Undercooked meat — especially chicken, mince and burgers - Raw or undercooked eggs — in homemade mayonnaise or desserts - Unpasteurised milk and cheese - Food left at room temperature too long — buffets, picnics, reheated rice - Cross-contamination — raw meat juices on surfaces or utensils - Shellfish and raw fish — if not fresh or stored properly ## Recovering at home Most people manage food poisoning at home: - Fluids — sip water or oral rehydration salts frequently; small amounts are better than large gulps if vomiting. - Rest — avoid strenuous activity while unwell. - Plain food — reintroduce toast, rice, bananas and soup when you can keep fluids down. - Avoid — alcohol, caffeine, fatty or spicy food until fully recovered. Do not take anti-diarrhoea medicines unless advised — they can trap bacteria in the gut. ## When to see a GP Contact NHS 111 or a GP if you cannot keep fluids down, have blood in vomit or stool, symptoms last longer than expected, or you are in a vulnerable group (baby, older adult, pregnant, weakened immune system). **Do not visit a GP surgery in person** while actively infectious — call for advice first. ## Reporting food poisoning If you suspect food poisoning from a restaurant, takeaway or shop, report it to your **local environmental health department**. They investigate outbreaks and can prevent others becoming ill. Keep any leftover food refrigerated in case it needs testing. ## Food poisoning vs norovirus **Norovirus** spreads easily from person to person and is a common cause of gastroenteritis — not always linked to a specific meal. If you ate something that many others also ate and became ill, food poisoning is more likely. Both are managed similarly with fluids and rest. ## Prevention Safe food handling at home significantly reduces risk: wash hands, cook meat thoroughly, chill food promptly, and never reuse boards or knives for ready-to-eat food after contact with raw meat. ## ! When to see a GP about food poisoning Contact NHS 111 or a GP if you cannot keep fluids down for 24 hours, have blood in your vomit or stool, still have diarrhoea after 7 days or vomiting after 2 days, or show signs of dehydration. Seek urgent help for severe dehydration, confusion, or if a baby, older adult or pregnant woman is rapidly worsening. Do not visit a GP surgery in person while actively vomiting and diarrhoea — call first. ## Common questions about food poisoning How quickly does food poisoning start? It depends on the cause. Some bacteria cause symptoms within hours; others take days. If several people become ill after the same meal, food poisoning is more likely than a stomach virus caught from another person. How long does food poisoning last? Most people feel better within two to three days. Diarrhoea can occasionally last up to a week. See a GP if symptoms persist or worsen. What is the best treatment for food poisoning? Rest and frequent small sips of water or oral rehydration solution. Eat plain food when you can tolerate it. Avoid anti-diarrhoea medicines unless a pharmacist or doctor advises them — they can sometimes prolong illness. Do I need antibiotics for food poisoning? Most food poisoning is self-limiting and does not need antibiotics. Some specific bacterial causes may need antibiotics — a GP decides this based on symptoms and sometimes stool tests. How can I prevent food poisoning at home? Wash hands before handling food, cook meat thoroughly, store food at correct temperatures, do not leave cooked food at room temperature for long, and use separate boards for raw meat. Check use-by dates. ## Sources - [NHS — Food poisoning](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/food-poisoning/)