What should you know about chemical food poisoning?

This term describes illness after swallowing food contaminated by a harmful chemical or toxin rather than an ordinary infection. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhoea, and some exposures can also cause unusual sweating, dizziness, weakness, confusion or changes in vision. The timing and pattern depend on the substance and amount involved. Do not try to diagnose the chemical from symptoms alone. Food Poisoning can have infectious or non-infectious causes, and an allergy can create a different pattern requiring separate assessment.

Stop eating the suspected food and keep its packaging, label and remaining portion in a safe place for identification. Do not make yourself vomit and do not give food, drink or medicines to someone who is drowsy or struggling to swallow. If the person is alert, take small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink unless a clinician advises otherwise. Contact urgent medical services or a poison-information service promptly, particularly when several people became ill after the same meal. Oral Rehydration Therapy may help fluid loss; IV Fluid Therapy may be needed when dehydration is severe.

Seek emergency care for breathing difficulty, seizures, collapse, confusion, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, inability to swallow, or blood in vomit or stool. Urgent assessment is also needed for severe abdominal pain, marked dehydration, or symptoms that begin soon after a suspected chemical exposure. Fever can occur with some foodborne illnesses, but neurological or breathing symptoms make a toxic exposure especially concerning. Do not wait for symptoms to become more obvious before seeking help.

Tell the clinician what was eaten, when it was eaten, who else was exposed, and what the packaging says. Ask which fluids are suitable, whether observation or testing is needed, and which symptoms require immediate return.