Food poisoning
Food poisoning is caused by bacteria, viruses or toxins in the food we eat. Some of these toxins are found naturally in foods, while some have accumulated in the environment.
If you have food poisoning you’ll probably have gastroenteritis symptoms such as abdominal cramps, diarrhoea or vomiting, or flu-like symptoms. Food poisoning can also cause serious long-term problems like kidney failure.

Some wild mushrooms, including the death cap, are extremely poisonous. You should not eat wild-harvested mushrooms unless they have been definitely identified as safe. Seek immediate medical treatment If you think you may have eaten poisonous mushrooms.

Large fish, such as shark, swordfish and marlin, may accumulate relatively high levels of mercury. You should limit your consumption of these fish, especially if you are a child, are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Occasionally people die from food poisoning.
Symptoms and causes of food poisoning
You may be sick with food poisoning but not know what food caused it or even that you have it. Different bacteria and viruses can have different effects:

Salmonella: gastro and flu-like symptoms usually appear between 8 and 72 hours after eating the infected food and last for two to five days.
Campylobacter: gastro symptoms appear in two to seven days and last about five days.
Listeria: gastro or flu-like symptoms usually appear after about three days for milder cases and up to 70 days for the severe form, with the illness lasting longer if it is more severe.
Norovirus or rotavirus: severe gastro or flu-like symptoms usually begin 24 to 48 hours after exposure and last one to three days (norovirus) or up to eight days (rotavirus).
E. coli: gastro symptoms usually appear in three to four days and last about a week.
High-risk groups for food poisoning
If you’re pregnant, elderly or very young, or your immune system is weak through illness or drugs, you’re at greater risk of food poisoning and possibly serious complications.

If you’re pregnant, Listeria can cause you to miscarry, even if you don’t know you’ve been infected. If you notice symptoms - usually like a mild flu but also diarrhoea, vomiting and nausea - contact your doctor immediately.