Food Poisoning Attorney

E. coli

Escherichia coli or "E. coli" is a bacteria that originates in the intestines of mammals. People might come into contact with E. coli through contaminated (untreated) water, undercooked meat, and uncooked fruits and vegetables.

Symptoms

It can take up to two days after ingesting food contaminated with E. coli to display symptoms, which include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

Listeria

Listeria is a very serious foodborne illness caused by exposure to the bacterium "listeria monocytogenes." Listeria can be caused by many packaged foods, such as hot dogs and lunch meats. In 2011, there was a Listeria outbreak caused by contaminated cantaloupes.

Symptoms

People exposed to the Listeria bacterium may not get sick for up to three weeks. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, and stomach upset.

Salmonella

The Salmonella bacterium can come from undercooked poultry, raw eggs, dairy, and seafood products.

Symptoms

The latency period for Salmonella is relatively short, with symptoms occurring between 8-72 hours after exposure.

Campylobacter

This particular foodborne illness is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in the country. This condition is uncomfortable and can be painful, but for people with abnormally weak immune systems, Campylobacter can be life-threatening.

Symptoms

After someone is exposed to the bacteria, they display symptoms usually between two to five days later.

Staphylococcus

Staphylococcus is most often passed onto people through unsanitary and improper food handling. Certain foods are temperature-sensitive, or cannot sit next to other types of food. Proper food handling education and implementation is necessary to prevent staphylococcus.

Symptoms

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Many people affected with staphylococcus start experiencing symptoms minutes after exposure.