Foodborne illnesses can cause a sudden onset of symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Symptoms may start within a few hours to several days after consuming contaminated food depending on the germ causing illness. See a doctor or healthcare provider if you think you have foodborne illness.
What is foodborne illness?
Foodborne illness, or “food poisoning”, is caused by eating or drinking something contaminated with germs, such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Food and drinks can become contaminated when food is being grown or made, during its transportation or distribution, or during or after preparation at a restaurant or at home.
Many of the germs that cause foodborne illness can be acquired in ways other than food, such as contact with animals or the areas where they live, ingesting contaminated drinking or recreational water, and being around other sick people.
Some food and drinks are more likely to be contaminated with germs and make people sick. These include:
- Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and seafood
(including beef, chicken, sushi, and oysters) - Raw or unpasteurized milk, dairy products, and juice
(including soft cheeses and apple cider) - Raw or undercooked eggs
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
(including sprouts, leafy greens, and unwashed produce) - Raw flour
(such as flour that is in raw cookie dough)
Reporting foodborne illness
If you believe you became ill after eating food prepared outside of a private home (e.g., from a restaurant) or after attending a party or event, report your illness to public health officials by:
- Completing an online foodborne illness report using Report My Meal, or
- Calling your city or town’s board of health, or
- Calling the DPH Division of Food Protection (617) 983-6712, or
- Calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology (617) 983-6800
Please be prepared to provide a food history for the 72 hours prior to symptom onset. You may also want to visit your healthcare provider.
Disease-specific fact sheets
You can view fact sheets about diseases that can be spread through food or drinks.