What is food poisoning?
- Food poisoning is an illness that occurs when food or water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, heavy metals, fungi, pathogens, or toxins is consumed.
- There are at least 30 known infections that cause food poisoning. Some of the organisms that cause food-borne illness in Canada include norovirus, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter and Salmonella.
How is food poisoning spread?
- By eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
- One in eight Canadians (approximately 4 million people) get sick from food-borne illness each year.
What are the symptoms of food poisoning?
- Symptoms depend on what is causing the illness and may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, feeling unwell, dizziness, and/or headache.
How is food poisoning treated?
- Drink plenty of fluids. Oral rehydration fluids are helpful in preventing dehydration and can be purchased at drug stores.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or as required. Treatment will be determined by your healthcare provider.
How is food poisoning prevented?
- Wash hands after using the bathroom changing diapers, handling pet feces, and before and after handling food.
- Prevent cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for meat/poultry and other foods.
- Wash hands, cutting boards, and utensils with warm, soapy water after contact with raw items.
- Ensure meat is well cooked; use a cooking thermometer (meat should not be pink and juices should run clear).
- Separate raw poultry, meat and seafood from fruits, vegetables, and ready-to eat foods when shopping, storing, preparing, or serving food
- Store foods either at or below 4oC or at or above 60oC.
- Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. See Health Canada's website for Safe cooking temperatures for more information on food safety and safe internal cooking temperatures.
- Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables before eating.
- Drink only water that is treated, regularly tested, or boiled.
- Consume only pasteurized milk and milk products.
- Use foods from inspected/approved sources.
Where can I get more information about food poisoning?
Contact the Communicable Disease Control (CDC) Program at 705-474-1400, or toll-free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 or email us at cdc@healthunit.ca.
References:
- Ministry of Health. (2023). Infectious Diseases Protocol, Appendix 1: Food poisoning, all causes.
- Heyman (2022). Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 21st edition. American Public Health Association. Washington, DC. pp. 222-232.
- Government of Canada. (2025). Food-borne illness in Canada.
Created: March 2026, by CDC