What Is The Cause Of Food Poisoning

Food poisoning occurs when you consume food or beverages contaminated with harmful microorganisms, toxins, or chemicals. The common causes include:

### 1. **Bacterial Contamination**
- **Salmonella:** Found in raw or undercooked poultry, eggs, or contaminated water.
- **E. coli:** Found in undercooked beef, raw vegetables, or unpasteurized milk.
- **Listeria:** Present in unpasteurized dairy products, deli meats, or smoked seafood.

### 2. **Viral Contamination**
- **Norovirus:** Often associated with contaminated water, raw shellfish, or improperly washed vegetables.
- **Hepatitis A:** Spread through contaminated food or poor hygiene.

### 3. **Parasitic Contamination**
- **Giardia or Cryptosporidium:** Common in contaminated water.
- **Toxoplasma:** Found in undercooked meat or contaminated produce.

### 4. **Toxins in Food**
- **Staphylococcus aureus:** Produces toxins in improperly stored food.
- **Clostridium botulinum:** Found in improperly canned or preserved foods.

### 5. **Chemical Contamination**
- Pesticides, herbicides, or heavy metals accidentally ingested with food.
- Intentional additives that may be harmful if overused or misapplied.

### 6. **Cross-contamination**
- Use of the same utensils or surfaces for raw and cooked food without cleaning.

### 7. **Improper Food Handling**
- Poor hygiene during food preparation.
- Inadequate refrigeration or cooking.

**Symptoms** often include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Most cases are mild and resolve within a few days, but severe cases may require medical attention.