Food borne diseases, including food borne intoxications and food borne infections, are terms applied to illnesses acquired by the consumption of contaminated food. They are frequently and inaccurately referred to as food poisoning.
Allergies, heavy metals, viruses and chemicals can all cause food related illness, however the most common cause is bacteria. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pains, sweating, fever and headaches. Vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and possibly death. Dehydration is especially dangerous for infants and the elderly.
If you believe you have acquired a food related illness consult your General Practitioner to assess the symptoms and obtain a faecal sample if necessary. The remaining suspected food should be refrigerated as it may be required for analysis. The City's Health Service should then be contacted at your earliest convenience to begin an investigation into the matter.
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