The time it takes for symptoms to develop after eating contaminated food ranges from one hour to 70 days.
Usually, symptoms of food poisoning develop after one to three days.
The most common symptoms are:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
Other symptoms of food poisoning include:
- stomach cramps
- abdominal pain
- loss of appetite
- a high temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above
- muscle pain
- chills
When to seek medical advice
Most cases of food poisoning do not require medical attention. But contact your GP or telephone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 if you have any of the following:
- vomiting that lasts for more than two days
- you cannot keep liquids down for more than a day
- diarrhoea that lasts for more than three days
- blood in your vomit
- blood in your stools
- seizures (fits)
- changes in mental state, such as confusion
- double vision
- slurred speech
- signs that you may be severely dehydrated, such as a dry mouth, sunken eyes, and being unable to pass urine
