Overview
Food poisoning happens after eating or drinking something contaminated with germs or their toxins. Most cases are mild and get better without specific treatment, but dehydration can make people very unwell.
How common is it?
Food poisoning is common. Many people recover at home within a few days, although symptoms can last up to a week.
Causes and risk factors
Food poisoning is usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or toxins in contaminated food or water. Problems with cooking, storage, reheating, or hand hygiene can let germs spread.
Common risk factors
- Being a baby or young child
- Older age
- Pregnancy
- A weakened immune system
- Unsafe food storage, reheating, or handling
Symptoms
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Diarrhoea
- Tummy cramps or pain
- A high temperature
- Feeling weak or generally unwell
- Signs of dehydration such as dark urine, dizziness, or peeing less
When to see a doctor
Get urgent medical advice if a baby under 12 months is unwell, a child stops feeding, someone cannot keep fluids down, there is bloody diarrhoea, or symptoms persist. With diabetes, follow your sick-day plan and contact your diabetes team early. Rising ketones or persistent vomiting need urgent advice. Call emergency services for severe tummy pain, vomiting blood, confusion, severe breathing difficulty or difficulty waking.
Diagnosis
Food poisoning is often diagnosed from the symptoms and what was eaten recently. Tests are not usually needed, but stool tests or other checks may be used if symptoms are severe, prolonged, or part of an outbreak.
Treatments
Fluids and oral rehydration
The main treatment is replacing lost fluids. Small frequent sips and oral rehydration drinks can help prevent dehydration, especially in children and older adults.
Rest and simple symptom relief
Rest, eat when you feel able, and use paracetamol if it is suitable for you. Most people improve without antibiotics.
Targeted treatment only when needed
A clinician may recommend extra treatment if the cause is identified, symptoms are severe, or you are at higher risk of complications. Antibiotics are only useful for selected bacterial infections.
Self-care and lifestyle
- Take small sips often if you feel sick
- Keep breast or bottle feeding babies; offer extra fluids when advised
- Avoid fruit juice or fizzy drinks if they make diarrhoea worse
- Do not give children under 12 anti-diarrhoea medicine unless a clinician advises it. With diabetes, follow your sick-day plan, check glucose and ketones as advised, and ask about medicines during dehydration. Do not stop background insulin; doses may need adjustment with your diabetes team.
Prevention
Wash hands well, keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separate, chill food promptly, and cook or reheat food thoroughly. Do not eat food past its use-by date.
Sources and review
Last reviewed: 28 July 2026 by Living Diabetes Editorial Team. This guide was checked against current patient and professional guidance. It is educational and does not replace care from your own healthcare team.