AboutCarol Schlitt Expertise I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).
Experience I am an Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety. I am a certified HACCP manager and a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Organizations International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Society for Nutrition Education.
Education/Credentials BS - University of Illinois
MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Question How long after you eat bad food can food posining start to affect you and how long can it last?
Answer Hi Joan,
It all depends on the bacteria. Some bacteria produce a toxin that is recognized by the body very quickly -- sometimes as soon as 30 minutes. Other bacteria must grow to a level that your body recognizes it. This can take several days.
So it can be anywhere from 30 minutes to 7 days after consumption for symptoms to occur.
FYI -- for Hepatitis A it can take up to 50 days for symptoms to appear!
