It is estimated there are between 11 and 13 million cases of food-borne illness in Canada every year.

Tainted peanut butter, prepared meats, and even baby formula have been reported as causing illness and in some cases, death. These are some of the alarming number of outbreaks related to food-borne illness recently in Canada and other developed countries.

Food-borne illness is caused by an overproduction of bacteria, viruses, or parasites in food. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. Most cases of food-borne illness are completely preventable.

Regulations governing the safe operation of food manufacturing plants and farms are the responsibility of governments, but consumers have a key role to play in keeping food safe through their own proper food-handling practices. In the news alongside food processing stories are tales of weddings and parties where all or nearly all the guests have come down with food poisoning. It is events like these that consumers can have a hand in preventing.

Food-borne illness occurs when food is not prepared or handled correctly, causing an overproduction of harmful microorganisms. All foods have the potential to cause food-borne illness. Food-borne microorganisms are often undetectable; you cannot see, taste, or smell them. It is an important concern because the consequences of eating contaminated foods can be very serious.

Food-borne illness can occur at any time in any place. Anyone can be affected. However, young children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly at risk and can suffer very serious health complications as a result of food-borne illness.

INFECTIOUS DISEASE DIAGNOSIS & SYMPTOMS

Nausea

The urge to vomit, or bring up the stomach contents through the mouth.

Constipation

Difficulty having bowel movements because they are hard or dry.

Fever

A rise in body temperature above normal. "Normal" depends on how you measure your child's body temperature. If you measure by rectum (bum) or by ear, fever means a temperature over 38°C (100.4°F). If you measure by mouth, fever means a temperature over 37.5°C (99.5°F). If you measure in the armpit, fever means a temperature over 37.3°C (99.1°F).