How foodborne germs make us sick and how to stop them

Every year, about one in six people in the United States gets sick from something they ate, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

That’s nearly 48 million people! These illnesses, called foodborne diseases, are caused by tiny germs like bacteria and viruses that can sneak into our meals. Most people get better on their own, but sometimes these germs can cause serious problems, especially for kids, pregnant women, older adults, and people with weaker immune systems. Let’s meet the most common troublemakers and learn what you can do to keep your kitchen safe.

What are foodborne illnesses and who gets them?

Foodborne illnesses happen when germs get into food or drinks. These germs are so small you can't see them without a microscope, but they can make you feel really sick. The most common symptoms are stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Most healthy people will recover with rest and lots of fluids, but sometimes foodborne illnesses can be very dangerous. Doctors and scientists say that many cases aren’t even reported, because people recover at home and don’t see a doctor. This means food poisoning is even more common than you might think!

Meet the most common food poisoning germs

Let’s look at four of the most notorious germs that can make you sick:

1. Listeria: Listeria is a bacteria that loves cool, wet places like factory floors and fridges. It’s very dangerous for pregnant women, babies, older adults, and people with weak immune systems. Listeria can cause serious infections, including meningitis, and has even been linked to miscarriages and stillbirths. According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, listeria is the third-leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the U.S. It can be found in foods like unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, hot dogs, deli meats, and smoked seafood. Freezing doesn’t kill listeria, but heating food until it’s steaming hot (above 165°F) does. Cleaning surfaces with diluted bleach also helps get rid of it.

2. Norovirus: This is the infamous “stomach bug” that spreads quickly wherever people gather, like schools, cruise ships, and nursing homes. Norovirus is super contagious, and you can catch it from someone who is sick or by touching things they’ve touched. The virus can even float in the air for a while if someone vomits! Symptoms usually start 12 to 48 hours after exposure and include sudden vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, you can still spread norovirus even after you feel better, sometimes for weeks. That’s why handwashing is super important!

3. Salmonella: Salmonella is a bacteria often found in raw or undercooked eggs, chicken, and sometimes even fresh produce. It can also spread from animals to people at petting zoos or farms. According to research in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, symptoms usually show up six hours to six days after infection and can include high fever, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Most people recover without medicine, but some, especially young kids and older adults, may need to see a doctor.

4. E. coli: Not all E. coli bacteria are bad; some actually help us digest food. But certain types, like the ones that sometimes make the news, can cause severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, and even kidney failure. E. coli can be in undercooked beef, contaminated produce, or spread by not washing your hands after touching animals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes how E. coli outbreaks often happen at big events, such as the Olympics, when a lot of people share meals together (CDC Weekly Report).

How do these germs get into our food?

Germs can get into food in many ways. Sometimes, they live in soil or water and wind up on fruits and veggies. Other times, they get into meat, eggs, or dairy from animals. Germs can also spread if someone doesn’t wash their hands after using the bathroom or touching animals, and then prepares food. Cross-contamination, like when raw chicken juices drip onto salad ingredients, is a common way germs spread in home kitchens.

Simple steps to stay safe from foodborne illness

Luckily, there are easy ways to protect yourself and your family:

• Always wash your hands with soap and water before cooking or eating.

• Clean kitchen counters, cutting boards, and utensils with hot, soapy water or a diluted bleach solution.

• Cook foods to the right temperature. Use a food thermometer to be sure. Most bacteria die at 165°F.

• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Don’t leave food out at room temperature for more than two hours.

• Avoid unpasteurized milk, raw eggs, and undercooked meats.

If you want to learn more about how the foods we eat can affect our health, check out this fun explainer on how scientists spot ultra-processed foods in your body for further reading. And for a look at how health AI and platforms like SlothMD are helping to track and prevent foodborne and other illnesses, see how the world is changing for today’s young people.

What it means for patients and families

Foodborne illnesses are a common part of life, but the good news is that most people recover on their own. By following smart kitchen habits and staying informed with help from doctors, scientists, and platforms like SlothMD using health AI, everyone can do their part to keep themselves and their loved ones safe from unsafe food. Remember: a little cleaning and careful cooking can go a long way in making mealtime both fun and safe!