Food Safety

Get information on food poisoning symptoms and preventing food poisoning.

This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Content from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (public domain).

Four steps to food safety are listed with a person washing their hands above the text “clean”, a person cutting meat on a plastic cutting board above the text “separate”, a thermometer in a chicken breast above the text “cook”, and an open refrigerator with leftover food containers above the text “chill”.

Preventing Food Poisoning

Keep hands and surfaces clean, separate risky foods, cook food properly, and refrigerate promptly.

Learn More

Nov. 24, 2025

A person washes salad greens under tap water.

Basics

Some foods are more likely to contain germs that can make you sick.

Nov. 24, 2025

Person holding their stomach in pain, shape of stomach outlined in red

Symptoms

Food poisoning symptoms include diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Nov. 24, 2025

For people at increased risk

People at higher risk for food poisoning

Risk Factors

Certain people are at higher risk for severe illness from food poisoning.

Jan. 31, 2025

Diverse group of children

Safer Food for Children Under 5 Years Old

Food poisoning can be dangerous for young children because it can cause diarrhea and dehydration.

May 2, 2024

  * [Safer Food for Pregnant Women](</food-safety/foods/pregnant-women.html>)

Pregnant women are more likely to get sick from certain germs spread through food, like Listeria.

  * [Safer Food for Adults 65 Years and Older](</food-safety/foods/adults-65-older.html>)

As people age, their risk of getting food poisoning increases.

  * [Safer Food for People with Weakened Immune Systems](</food-safety/foods/weakened-immune-systems.html>)

Having a weakened immune system may make it harder to fight foodborne germs and sickness.

More food safety tips

Diverse group of people

Safer Food Choices

Some foods are more likely to cause food poisoning. Choosing safer options can reduce your risk.

May 2, 2024

Women cutting raw chicken on plastic cutting board.

Chicken and Food Poisoning

Store, prepare, and cook chicken properly to prevent food poisoning.

Apr. 29, 2024

raw cookie dough in bowl

Raw Flour and Dough

Eating raw flour, eggs, or dough can lead to food poisoning.

Nov. 24, 2025

⚠ Caution
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.