Food poisoning is caused by various infectious organisms including bacteria, viruses and parasites. Food and drink are contaminated at any time beginning with the processing and ending with the serving of the item. MayoClinic.com suggests that one infected food item can contaminate another, especially when they are prepared on the same surface. Food poisoning is quite commonly caused by bacteria. Many of these bacteria are found in animal products.
Salmonella
Salmonella bacteria are found in soil, water, raw food and the feces of some animals, like turtles, according to the Kids Health website. It is common to spread the salmonella bacteria by handling raw eggs, milk chicken, turkey and other meats. It is important that such items be cooking thoroughly to kill any bacteria. A person with salmonellosis can also spread the bacteria from their own fecal matter to another person by handling food or drink without proper hand washing after a bowel movement. When the bacteria is ingested, it can cause salmonellosis. Symptoms of this infection include cramping, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Listeria
Listeria is a type of bacteria found in hot dogs, luncheon meats, unpasteurized milk, cheeses and unwashed raw produce according to MayoClinic.com. This bacteria can be found in the soil and water. Deli meats that sit uncovered for long periods of time, including in the refrigerator, can allow listeria to reproduce rapidly. The result of eating contaminated foods is a listeriosis. Symptoms include abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Campylobacter
Campylobacter bacteria is found on the surface of most raw poultry items because the bacteria is found in the intestines of healthy birds, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The juices of the raw poultry can drip onto food preparation surfaces, making it possible for other food items to become contaminated. Symptoms of this illness appear about two to five days after ingestion and include fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
E. coli
Escherichia coli, or E. coli, is found naturally in the human intestine. The Kids Health website explains that it helps the body break down and digest food. A more harmful strain of E. coli is most often found in beef. During the slaughter of the cows, fecal matter can make its way into the raw meat. Such meat should be cooked thoroughly to kill the bacteria. When it isn't, the result is an E. coli infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that symptoms of this infection include severe and bloody diarrhea that is accompanied by painful abdominal cramps. A fever is not common, but it can occur.
