• Question: How many kinds of food poisoning are there?

    Asked by to Naomi on 17 Jun 2014. This question was also asked by .
    • Photo: Naomi Osborne

      Naomi Osborne answered on 17 Jun 2014:

      Hi 12dpender!

      Food poisoning can be caused by many different microorganisms including bacteria and viruses, but most often have similar symptoms (vomiting and diarrhoea – urgh!).

      The most common cause of food poisoning in the UK is caused by a bacteria called campylobacter, which is lives in most chickens, so you get ill when chicken isn’t cooked properly.

      E. coli is another bacteria which causes food poisoning. It lives in the intestines of many animals – including us- so causes illness when food is handled with unwashed hands – not a nice thought!

      Other common causes include:
      – Norovirus (‘vomiting’ virus)
      – Listeria (bacteria)
      – Salmonella (bacteria)

      All of which make you ill when food isn’t prepared, stored or cooked properly.

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