food poisoning

food poisoning Disease caused by food-borne infectious organisms, such as the Clostridium botulinum bacteria that produces deadly botulism toxin. Symptoms may include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and weakness, depending on the organism involved. The most prominent causes of food poisoning are noroviruses (often from shellfish and salads), Campylobacter jejuni (the leading cause of bacterial food poisoning, often from undercooked poultry), Salmonella (often from raw or undercooked eggs), Listeria monocytogenes (often from unpasteurized milk and cheese), Vibrio vulnificus (through raw or inadequately cooked seafood), and E. coli 0157:H7 (often from undercooked hamburger). See also botulism; E. coli; listeriosis; salmonellosis.