Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating contaminated food. It is not usually serious, and most people get better within a few days without treatment. Babies and young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people who have a weakened immune system are more at risk from food poisoning.

The symptoms of food poisoning usually begin within one to two days after eating contaminated food, although they may start at any point between a few hours and several weeks later. Symptoms can include:

• headache
• stomach pains
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea

What you should do if you think you have food poisoning

If you think that you are suffering from food poisoning, please check the NHS advice on food poisoning or speak to your GP. You may be asked to provide a specimen.

If you think the food poisoning is linked to a business in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area, let us know by reporting a food problem. We’ll treat your personal details and any information you provide us with in the strictest confidence.

If you work in a food business, you must let your manager or supervisor know immediately. If you are not a food handler but work with vulnerable groups such as elderly or young people you should let your manager or supervisor know.

Food safety teams

Our food safety teams investigate cases of food poisoning notified to us from UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), normally as a result of people contacting their GP. Many of these investigations are carried out over the phone but more severe infections are usually dealt with by a visit to the patient.

We have two aims:

• to identify the source of the infection
• to prevent the spread of infection in the household, through social contacts or workplace activity (food handlers, nursing and care staff pose the highest risk of contamination)

Contact us

You can contact us by email to food.safety@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.