What Is Food Poisoning—and How Can You Prevent It?

4/9/2025

Let’s face it: food is supposed to bring us joy, not send us running for the bathroom. Yet, every year, millions of people suffer from food poisoning, an all-too-common and often preventable illness caused by contaminated food or drinks.

So, what exactly is food poisoning, how does it sneak onto our plates, and what can we do to avoid it?

What Is Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning—also known as foodborne illness—occurs when we consume food or beverages contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins. Common offenders include Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Norovirus, and Campylobacter. Symptoms can appear within hours or take several days to manifest, varying based on the contaminant.

Typical signs include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
• Stomach cramps
• Fever
• Fatigue

Most individuals recover within a few days without medical intervention. However, for vulnerable groups—such as young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems—food poisoning can be severe, even life-threatening.

Common Causes of Food Poisoning

Contamination can occur at any stage of the food supply chain, from farm to table. Frequent causes include:

• Undercooked meats, especially poultry
• Unpasteurized dairy or juices
• Raw fruits and vegetables that haven’t been properly washed
• Improper food storage (e.g., leaving leftovers out too long)
• Cross-contamination (like using the same cutting board for raw chicken and salad)

According to Aaron Saldivar, PA-C, a physician assistant at Lakeside Physicians Express Care in Stephenville, Texas: "Cross-contamination is a major culprit in foodborne illnesses. Using the same utensils or surfaces for raw and cooked foods without proper cleaning can easily transfer harmful pathogens."

How to Prevent Food Poisoning

The good news? Most cases of food poisoning are preventable with a few mindful practices.

Here’s how to keep your meals both delicious and safe:

1. Clean
   • Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food.
   • Scrub fruits and vegetables under running water—even those you plan to peel.
   • Clean cutting boards, knives, and surfaces with hot, soapy water.
2. Separate
   • Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs away from other foods—especially those ready to eat.
   • Use separate cutting boards for raw and cooked foods.
3. Cook
   • Use a food thermometer to ensure foods reach safe internal temperatures (e.g., 165°F for chicken, 160°F for ground beef).
   • Avoid relying on visual cues alone; color and texture aren't always reliable indicators of doneness.
4. Chill
   • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours (or 1 hour if the ambient temperature is above 90°F).
   • Keep your refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C).
   • Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator, not on the countertop.
5. When in Doubt, Throw It Out
   • Trust your instincts. If something seems off, it's better to discard it than risk illness.
   • Remember, some spoiled foods may not exhibit obvious signs like odor or discoloration.

As Josh Wright, PA-C, another physician assistant at Lakeside Physicians Express Care, emphasizes, "Proper refrigeration is crucial. Bacteria can multiply rapidly at room temperature, so it's important to store perishable foods promptly and at the correct temperature."

Final Bite

Food poisoning isn't just an inconvenience—it's a significant public health concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 1 in 6 Americans suffer from foodborne illnesses each year. By adopting these safety measures, you can significantly reduce your risk and ensure your kitchen remains a source of nourishment and joy.

After all, food is meant to be savored, not feared.

Lakeside Physicians Express Care in Stephenville, Texas is open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Walk ins are welcome or you can save your spot in line by visiting https://lakegranburymedical.com/StephenvilleWalkIn.

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