How long after I eat contaminated food (or consume bacteria) will I become sick?

Symptoms can occur between hours or weeks after eating contaminated food. Symptoms typically don’t develop for several days after eating contaminated food. Symptoms of viral or parasitic illnesses may not appear for several weeks after exposure. Symptoms usually last only a day or two, but in some cases can persist a week to 10 days. For most healthy people, foodborne illnesses are neither long-lasting nor life-threatening.

However, they can be severe in the very young, the very old, and people with certain diseases and conditions (immune disorders, including HIV infection, liver disease, diabetes, etc.)

Show All Answers

1. What is foodborne disease?
2. What are the symptoms of foodborne illness?
3. Are some foods more likely to cause foodborne illness than others?
4. What foods are associated with foodborne illness?
5. How long after I eat contaminated food (or consume bacteria) will I become sick?
6. If I ate out at a local restaurant in my area and the next day I became ill, what should I do?
7. What can I do at home to help protect my family from foodborne illness?
8. How can a customer best assure safe food in a food establishment?
9. How are foodborne diseases diagnosed?
10. How long can I keep meat in my freezer?
11. How are foodborne diseases treated?
12. How does food become contaminated (made impure)?
13. Are some people more likely to contract a foodborne illness? If so, are there special precautions they should take?
14. Does hot water kill bacteria?
15. Does freezing destroy bacteria and parasites?
16. How can a person prevent food poisoning?
17. Where can I learn more about food safety and foodborne diseases?
18. Where can I find information on Food Safety, Bacteria or Spoilage?