What is Foodborne Illness

Foodborne illness is caused by consuming contaminated foods or beverages. Many different disease-causing microbes, or pathogens, can contaminate foods, so there are many different foodborne infections.

Common symptoms of foodborne illness are nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea are common symptoms in many foodborne diseases.

If you have any of the symptoms above, see a doctor. Continue to drink plenty of fluids and, if you think your illness is food related, contact your local health department.

The key to preventing foodborne illness is proper hand washing.

Hands should always be washed AFTER:

• using the toilet
• coughing, sneezing or using a tissue
• eating, drinking or smoking
• touching cuts, burns or infected areas on the skin
• handling raw meat and poultry
• changing diapers
• touching animals
• touching public surfaces like door handles, gas pumps, shopping carts, etc.

Hands should always be washed BEFORE:

• touching eyes, nose and mouth
• inserting or removing contact lenses
• preparing food
• eating

Below are links for more detailed information on foodborne illness.

1. Fight BAC! - Causes and Symptoms of Foodborne Illness
2. Virginia Department of Health - Foodborne Illness Frequently Asked Questions
3. Federal Citizen Information Center - The Unwelcome Dinner Guest
4. Center for Disease Control and Prevention - Foodborne Illness

If you have any questions regarding the safety of home cooked foods, please call the Food Safety Section of the Fairfax County Health Department at 703-246-2444, TTY 711