Peanut butter food poisoning: what to know

The main concern during vomiting or diarrhoea is loss of fluid and salts. Monitor whether you can keep drinks down and whether you are passing urine normally. Keep the jar or packaging, note the batch information, and avoid serving the suspected product to others. Do not assume every reaction is food poisoning, especially if itching, swelling, wheeze, or rapid symptoms suggest allergy.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. Rest, and return to light foods as tolerated. Avoid preparing food for others while you have active vomiting or diarrhoea, and wash hands carefully with soap and water. Ask a pharmacist or clinician before taking medicines to stop diarrhoea, particularly for a child, pregnancy, fever, or bloody stools.

Seek prompt care for severe or persistent abdominal pain, blood in vomit or stool, confusion, fainting, very little urine, a dry mouth with marked weakness, or inability to keep fluids down. Fever with worsening illness also warrants advice. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with significant medical conditions can become dehydrated sooner. Severe dehydration may require IV fluid therapy.

Record when symptoms began, the amount and product eaten, other foods consumed, and any medicines taken. Ask whether you need testing, how to rehydrate, which warning signs matter for you, and when it is safe to return to work, school, or food preparation.