I Think I May Have Food Poisoning. What Should I Do?

Question: I Think I May Have Food Poisoning. What Should I Do?

Answer: Follow these general guidelines:

1. First and foremost, seek medical treatment if necessary, especially if you are in an "at risk" group. Similarly, if your symptoms persist or if they are severe (for instance, excessive nausea and vomiting, high temperature or bloody diarrhea ), contact a doctor or call 911.


2. Preserve any evidence. If any of the suspect food is still left, wrap it up securely, mark it with the word "DANGER" to prevent anyone else from eating it, and freeze it.


3. If you have the packaging, like the cartons or cans the food came in, save them. Write down the type of food, the date, any other identifying marks on the package, what time the food was eaten and when the symptoms first began. Information like this is critical in identifying the pathogen involved.


4. If the suspect food was served at a restaurant or food service facility, or if it was served at a large gathering, call the local health department.

Food Poisoning FAQ

• What Is Food Poisoning?
• How Do Bacteria Get Into Food?
• Who Is At Risk for Food Poisoning?
• I Think I May Have Food Poisoning. What Should I Do?
• What Is The "Food Temperature Danger Zone?"