Food poisoning

Food poisoning is caused by eating or drinking food contaminated with harmful germs, such as bacteria, viruses or parasites. It can also be caused by toxic chemicals.  Food poisoning is a notifiable disease, so if a case of food poisoning has been formally confirmed by a doctor or hospital (by analysis of a stool (faecal) sample), these details are passed to Environmental Health.

The incubation period (time taken from eating the food to feeling unwell) varies with each type of organism and in some cases can be up to 10-15 days after consumption. It is important to realise that the last meal you ate may not be the cause of your symptoms.

Not all cases of infectious disease are due to contaminated food. Many are caused by viruses that often have the same symptoms as food poisoning and spread very quickly from one person to another. Other sources of infection include farm animals and household pets.

Main causes of food poisoning

• preparing food too far in advance
• not cooking food properly
• not defrosting food thoroughly before cooking
• storing food incorrectly so that bacteria can grow
• cross contamination of foods after cooking
• infection from food handlers due to poor hygiene

If you have symptoms

If you think you may have food poisoning, symptoms of which can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain:

• contact your GP (doctor) as soon as possible
• your doctor may request a stool sample
• report your illness to Environmental Services

If you recently ate out

If your illness could be linked to food from a restaurant, takeaway, or event:

• inform Environmental Services
• provide details of where and when you ate
• advise if others who ate there have similar symptoms

Keep any suspected food

If you still have leftover food that may have caused your illness:

• keep it safely stored, preferably in the refrigerator
• do not throw it away, as it may need to be tested

If you work with vulnerable people or food

If your job involves handling food or working with vulnerable groups (such as young children, elderly people, or those with weakened immune systems):

• inform your manager or supervisor if you experience sickness or diarrhoea
• follow workplace policies to prevent the spread of infection.  You should not return to work or handle food until you have been clear of all symptoms for at least 48 hours. 
• children attending school, nursery or other childcare settings should not return to the setting until they have been clear of all symptoms for at least 48 hours.

What happens next

Environmental Health work closely with NHS Lanarkshire. If an outbreak of food poisoning is suspected, we will take prompt action to investigate and protect public health.

We may not investigate single cases of alleged illness, unless lab tests confirm a problem. The decision on whether to do so will take into account all the information available, including the history of the food business involved.

Anonymous complaints of food poisoning will not be investigated.

Report a food poisoning concern

Contact Environmental Services to report a food poisoning concern or to get advice.