We investigate food-borne illnesses. To report concern about food illness, call 518-873-3500
Causes and Symptoms of Foodborne Illness
- Foodborne illness is caused by consuming contaminated foods or beverages.
- Many different disease-causing microbes or pathogens can contaminate foods, so there are many different types of foodborne illnesses.
- Most foodborne diseases are infections caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Other diseases are poisonings caused by harmful toxins or chemicals that have contaminated food.
- Of note, many foodborne pathogens also can be acquired through recreational or drinking water, from contact with animals or their environment, or through person-to-person spread.
- Foodborne illness often occurs 1 to 4 days after eating contaminated foods.
- We will ask you about your symptoms and the foods you ate and where you ate them in the 4 days before your illness began.
- They will also ask if you drank any water collected from a lake, river, or spring or went swimming in the 2 weeks before your illness.
Food Safety
