Food poisoning from a restaurant: what to know

A restaurant meal can involve several possible exposures, including undercooked food, contaminated produce, unsafe storage, or germs transferred by a food handler. Symptoms may start later, and the last meal is not always the cause. If other diners are ill, share that information with a clinician. More detail is available on [Food Poisoning](/conditions/food-poisoning/) and [Nausea](/symptoms/nausea/).

Keep taking small sips of water or an oral rehydration solution and rest. Eat lightly when appetite returns. Note the restaurant, meal items, time eaten, symptom onset, and whether anyone else became unwell; this can help clinical assessment. Avoid preparing food for others while vomiting or having diarrhoea, and wash hands thoroughly. [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/) can support fluid replacement.

Seek urgent care for fainting, confusion, severe or localised abdominal pain, blood in stool or vomit, breathing difficulty, or inability to retain fluids. Contact a clinician if [Vomiting](/symptoms/vomiting/) continues, [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/) is severe or persistent, or [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) does not settle. People who are pregnant, very young, older, or living with chronic illness may need advice sooner. [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/) can treat dehydration when drinking is not enough.

Ask whether you need examination or testing, how to manage fluids, and whether you should report the suspected meal to a local health authority. Bring your food history and mention medicines, pregnancy, and existing conditions.