What is Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning may be caused by eating food that is contaminated, either by bacteria or by toxins produced by bacteria present in the food at some time.

Bacterial food poisoning is often caused by the salmonella group of bacteria. Symptoms may develop within a few hours, or be delayed for a day or so.

Toxic food poisoning is often caused by toxins produced by the bacterial group staphylococcus. Symptoms usually develop rapidly, sometimes within two to six hours of consumption.

How to Prevent Food Poisoning

In order to prevent food poisoning: ensure that frozen meat and poultry are fully defrosted before cooking; cook meat, poultry and eggs thoroughly to destroy any dangerous bacteria; do not keep food lukewarm for long periods (bacteria multiply); ensure hands are clean before preparing food (wear protective gloves if hands have wounds).

In cases of food poisoning, the casualty may suffer from: nausea and vomiting; cramping abdominal pains; diarrhoea (sometimes bloodstained); headache; fever; shock; collapse.

Treatment of Food Poisoning

Help the casualty to lie down and rest.
Contact a medical practitioner.
Give the casualty plenty to drink, and a bowl in case of vomiting.
If the casualty’s condition worsens, contact the emergency service.

Poisonous Plants

Poisonous plants can cause serious illness if eaten. These include a few varieties of mushrooms, seeds, bulbs, rhizomes and berries.

Treatment of Ingestion of Poisonous Plants

Check and clear the airway.
If the casualty is unconscious, check breathing and pulse, and be prepared to resuscitate if necessary. Place the casualty in the recovery position. The casualty may vomit.

DO NOT attempt to induce vomiting.

Assess the need to contact a medical practitioner or the emergency service. If in doubt, always contact the emergency service.
Try to identify the plant, and which part of it has been ingested. Keep samples of the plant, and any vomited material, to show the medical practitioner, or to send to hospital with the casualty.

Further Reading:-

Articles:

First Aid for Poisoning

First Aid for Shock

DISCLAIMER

THIS INFORMATION (AND ANY ACCOMPANYING MATERIAL) PROVIDED BY VITAMIN UK IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE THE ATTENTION OR ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN OR OTHER HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL. ANYONE WISHING TO EMBARK ON ANY DIETARY, DRUG, EXERCISE, OR OTHER LIFESTYLE CHANGE INTENDED TO PREVENT OR TREAT A SPECIFIC DISEASE OR CONDITION SHOULD FIRST CONSULT AND SEEK CLEARANCE FROM A QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL. VITAMIN UK STRIVES TO ENSURE THAT INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS SITE IS AS ACCURATE AS POSSIBLE, BUT DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY INACCURACIES.