Foodborne Illness

What is foodborne illness?

Foodborne illness, also known as food poisoning, is an illness resulting from consuming food that has harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemicals that can make you sick. You can have foodborne illness and not even know.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of foodborne illness include:

  • Stomach cramps
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever

How can I prevent foodborne illness?

These tips can help protect you from foodborne illness:

  • Wash your hands and thoroughly clean fruits and vegetables
  • Separate raw food from ready-to-eat food
  • Properly cook your foods
  • Chill your foods quickly

Learn more about safe food handling practices with our online food handler courses

How quickly would you feel sick after eating contaminated food?

After eating contaminated food, it may only take hours or it may even take days before having symptoms. This delay depends on what contaminated your food, how much of the contaminant you ate, and lastly how healthy you are. It is not always easy to determine exactly which food you ate that made you sick.

What do I do if I get sick from eating contaminated food?

If you think you are sick because of the food you ate, talk to a doctor and contact the Health Unit at 519-258-2146 at extension 4475. A complaint can also be submitted about a food product or a food premises using our online Submit a Complaint form.