Food Poisoning

Parental concerns

Symptoms of food poisoning can appear as early as an hour after consuming the contaminated food or up to several days later. Parents may be concerned about possible contamination from unknown sources and that symptoms may occur suddenly, without warning. Practicing good sanitation and good food handling techniques is the best way parents can prevent contamination. Normal watchfulness of the parents is sufficient to notice symptoms, paying attention to any change in eating, unusual crying, increases or decreases in bowel movements, the presence of vomiting or a lack of normal responses such as turning of the head and body movements. An early report of symptoms, even if no particular food is suspected of causing illness, helps get early treatment and avoid complications.

See also Botulism; Gastroenteritis.

BOOKS

Cerexhe, Peter, et al. Risky Food, Safer Choices: Avoiding Food Poisoning. Boulder, Co: netLibrary, 2000.

Isle, Mick. Everything You Need to Know about Food Poisoning. New York: Rosen Publishing Group, 2001.

Rue, Nancy, and Anne Williams. Quick Reference to Food Safety and Sanitation. Boston, MA: Prentice Hall, 2002.

Trickett, Jill. The Prevention of Food Poisoning. Cheltenham, UK: Nelson Thornes, 2001.

ORGANIZATIONS

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 1600 Clifton Rd., NE, Atlanta, GA 30333. Web site: <www.cdc.gov>.

WEB SITES

"Food Safety." Available online at <www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/print/foodsafety.html> (accessed November 20, 2004).

L. Lee Culvert Suzanne M. Lutwick, MPH

Content licensed from:

Author Info: L. Lee Culvert, Suzanne M. Lutwick MPH, Thomson Gale, Gale, Detroit, Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health, 2006

This feature is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the care and information received from your healthcare provider. Please consult a healthcare professional with any health concerns you may have.