What should you know about HelloFresh food poisoning?

Food poisoning, also called foodborne illness, follows exposure to harmful germs or toxins in contaminated food or drink. Symptoms can begin soon after eating or later, depending on the cause. Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea and fever may occur together or separately. The meal eaten most recently is not always the source, so timing alone cannot identify which food caused the illness. Similar symptoms can also come from other infections or medical problems.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration solution, especially after vomiting or loose stools. Rest and return gradually to simple foods as appetite returns. Wash hands carefully, avoid preparing food for other people while ill, and clean shared bathroom surfaces. Keep a note of when symptoms started, how often you are vomiting or passing stool, what you ate and whether anyone else became ill. Do not take anti-diarrhoeal medicine for a child without clinical advice.

Seek urgent help for severe dehydration, fainting, confusion, blood or black material in vomit or stool, severe or localised abdominal pain, trouble breathing, or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange prompt assessment for a high-risk person such as a young child, older adult, pregnant person or someone with reduced immunity. Medical treatment may include IV fluid therapy when drinking is not restoring hydration.

Ask whether your symptoms fit food poisoning or another cause, whether a stool test is needed, and which fluids or medicines are suitable for you. Tell the clinician about recent travel, antibiotics, pregnancy, chronic illness and any other people who became unwell after the same meal.