Food poisoning is a common, usually mild, but sometimes deadly illness. Although typical symptoms may not be life threatening, depending on the source, some people may experience life long effects from food poisoning such as nervous system damage, kidney failure, or even death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are 76 million cases of food poisoning in the United States each year. Of these cases, approximately 300,000 people will be hospitalized and 5,000 people will die.

There can be many substances in the food you eat that can make you sick. Some include parasites, viruses, toxins and chemicals. The most common source of food poisoning is bacteria. All foods contain small amounts of bacteria but improper handling, cooking, or storage of food can make bacteria grow to be large enough to cause illness.

Almost every month the news media report on restaurants, food stores, and food products causing food poisoning. Recent recalls of food products include Peter Pan/Great Value peanut butter and Canterbury chili.

Some of the illnesses you can get from food poisoning include:

• Salmonella
• E. coli
• Hepatitis

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Abdominal Pain
• Vomiting

• Call your doctor and get treatment immediately
• Ask your doctor if he or she is going to file a report with the Health Department
• Write down everything your doctor says
• Write down what you have eaten and where you ate it
• Contact d’Oliveira & Associates for a free case evaluation