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Food Safety Issues/Food Posining
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Question
How long after you eat bad food can food posining start to affect you and how long can it last?
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!
An excellent resource for you to read is "The Bad Bug Book" which can be found at the following website: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~mow/intro.html
Hope this helps. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Carol C. Schlitt
Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness
University of Illinois Extension
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Answers by Expert:
Carol Schlitt
Expertise
I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).
Experience
I am a former Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety, having retired August 1, 2010. I am a certified HACCP manager, a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health and a 3rd party food safety and OSHA auditor of restaurants.
Organizations
International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, St. Louis Culinary Society.
Education/Credentials
BS - University of Illinois
MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
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