Food-borne illness is caused by an overproduction of bacteria, viruses, or parasites in food.

Common food-borne illnesses

Listeriosis

A bacterial infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes. Listeriosis is rare and usually affects newborns, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems. Symptoms include nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, constipation, fever, and convulsions.

Foods that may cause listeriosis include contaminated fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products.

Staphylococcus

A bacteria that normally resides on the surface of the skin. Staphylococcus can cause a wide variety of diseases when ingested in food through either toxin production or bacterial colonization. Staphylococcal toxin is a common cause of food poisoning and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Common foods that can be sources of staphylococcus bacteria include milk and cheese.

E. coli

A bacteria commonly found in the lower intestine of mammals. Most E. coli strains are harmless, but some can cause serious food poisoning and can be life-threatening. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, cramps, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

Common foods that may be sources of E. coli bacteria include ground beef, unpasteurized milk and cheese, spinach, alfalfa sprouts, and water.

Salmonella

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause serious infection in humans. Most often, the bacteria is transferred to humans when insufficiently cooked eggs are eaten. Symptoms of an infection include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramping 12 to 72 hours after exposure.