Food Poisoning
Foodborne illness
What it is
Food poisoning can occur after drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. It may also spread when a person comes into contact with stool (poop) containing harmful germs. Symptoms may include diarrhea (watery stools), vomiting, abdominal cramps or pain, fever, headache, or muscle aches.
What you can do at home
What to do
- Choose fresh foods and check expiry dates.
- Choose refrigerated and frozen foods last and store them in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible.
- In hot weather, use a cooler if food will be unrefrigerated for more than 30 minutes.
- Keep the refrigerator at 4 °C or below.
- Keep the freezer at -18 °C or below.
- Thaw food in the refrigerator, microwave, or cold water, then cook it immediately.
- Keep cold foods refrigerated until ready to use.
Preparing food
- Wash hands before preparing food.
- Avoid handling food if there is an injury on the hands or if experiencing diarrhea (watery stools).
- Wash fruits and vegetables under cold running water.
- Keep raw foods separate from cooked foods.
- Clean surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water before and after preparing food.
- Use a dishwasher or a solution of 5 mL bleach in 1 litre of water.
- Wash the tops of cans before opening them.
- Cook food to a safe internal temperature.
If needed, see the health advice sheets on
Avoid
- Avoid dented cans or damaged food packaging.
- Avoid thawing food on the counter.
- Avoid leaving food at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or more than 30 minutes in hot weather.
- Do not give honey to babies under 1 year of age.
When to seek medical attention
At least 2 people become ill after eating the same food or drinking the same water
For a pregnant person or a person who is immunocompromised: symptoms after contact with a person, water, or food that may be contaminated
For a person aged 75 years and older: fever and difficulty carrying out one or two activities of daily living, such as preparing meals or bathing
Need help?
Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.
Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.
Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go to gap.soinsvirtuels or call 811, Option 3.
When to go to the hospital right away
Bloody diarrhea (watery stools)
Unable to swallow anything, including medication, for more than 24 hours
Tingling or numbness in the mouth
Difficulty controlling movements or uncoordinated movements
Signs of dehydration that persist despite drinking plenty of fluids, including:
- a dry mouth and tongue
- extreme thirst
- little or no urine (pee) for several hours
- pale or cold skin or skin that is slow to return to normal when gently pinched
- in young children: crying without tears
Rapid changes in the person’s condition, such as:
- unusual fatigue or difficulty staying awake
- reduced responsiveness
- confusion, agitation or unusual behaviour
- reduced appetite or thirst
- difficulty carrying out normal daily activities
Fever in people at risk, including:
- people who are immunocompromised
- pregnant people
- babies under 3 months of age