What should you know about food poisoning from a restaurant?

Foodborne illness can irritate the stomach and bowel after contaminated food or drink. Common symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and sometimes fever. Symptoms may begin soon after a meal or later, so timing alone cannot prove which dish caused them. Most episodes improve with supportive care, but fluid loss can become serious when vomiting or diarrhoea continues.

Avoid preparing food for other people while you are unwell and wash your hands carefully after using the toilet. This reduces spread to household members.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. Oral Rehydration Therapy can replace water and salts more effectively than relying on large amounts at once. Rest, then try bland foods when nausea settles; avoid alcohol and foods that clearly worsen symptoms. Do not use leftover antibiotics or medicines prescribed for someone else.

Keep a note of when symptoms began, what you ate, and how often you pass stool or vomit. This helps a clinician assess the illness.

Seek urgent medical help for fainting, confusion, severe weakness, very little urine, inability to keep fluids down, blood in stool or vomit, severe abdominal pain, or breathing difficulty. Arrange medical advice if symptoms are worsening, persistent, or affecting a child, older adult, pregnant person, or someone with a serious long-term condition. IV Fluid Therapy may be considered when dehydration cannot be corrected by drinking.

Ask whether your symptoms fit Food Poisoning, whether testing is needed, which fluids are suitable, and which warning signs should prompt immediate review.