Harmful bacteria in food can make you very ill. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 250 different food-borne illnesses that are caused by harmful bacteria. They are usually present in food that has spoiled or is undercooked. Several common types of bacteria in food can cause an infection and make you mildly or severely ill. If you have symptoms that last more than a few hours, call your doctor. Seek emergency care if you have frequent vomiting or frequent diarrhea, a fever, dizziness or severe abdominal pain.
Salmonella
The severity of a salmonella infection typically depends on how much of the contaminated food was eaten. This kind of bacteria is spread by contact with animal or human feces, according to the Colorado State University Extension. This can occur through failure to wash hands after handling raw meat or using the bathroom. Salmonella is destroyed when food is properly cooked, so your biggest risk of suffering from it comes from eating undercooked meat, poultry, fish and eggs. Other foods that may carry salmonella include creamy dessert fillings, raw sprouts and products made from milk. Symptoms include diarrhea, headache, stomach pain, nausea, chills, fever and vomiting, which usually occur 12 to 36 hours after eating a contaminated food.
E.coli
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an E.coli infection can occur after contact with cow feces, whether in water or food. It causes bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain when contracted, symptoms that usually set in one to five days after consumption of the contaminated item. In a small number of cases, E.coli infection can lead to kidney failure. Ground beef is the food that most typically contains this harmful bacteria, but raw milk, unpasteurized juices, salami, sprouts, lettuce, spinach and untreated water can also carry it. Produce should be washed well and ground beef should be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit to get rid of E.coli. Avoid unpasteurized drinks as well.
Listeria
Listeria is carried by humans and animals and is able to survive for long periods of time, even in the refrigerator, though it is easily killed by heating the food that may harbor it. This bacteria most commonly causes infections in small children, elderly people, pregnant women and people who have a compromised immune system, according to the Colorado State University Extension. It can produce headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, but can also result in a miscarriage or stillbirth. It is most often present in processed meats like cold cuts and hot dogs, soft and unpasteurized cheeses, poultry and fish. To prevent an infection from listeria, heat meats thoroughly and avoid unpasteurized milk products. Washing your hands well when preparing food can prevent the spread of listeria.
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