Food poisoning

Because most cases of food poisoning are self-limited, prolonged follow-up care is not required.

Mortality is relatively rare (<0.1%) but more likely in very young, elderly, immunocompromised persons, or pregnant women.[8]McCabe-Sellers BJ, Beattie SE. Food safety: emerging trends in foodborne illness surveillance and prevention. J Am Diet Assoc. 2004 Nov;104(11):1708-17. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15499359?tool=bestpractice.com In the UK, a report by the Food Standards Agency estimated 180 deaths per year due to 13 main foodborne pathogens.[11]Food Standards Agency. The burden of foodborne disease in the UK 2018.​ Mar 2020 [internet publication]. https://www.food.gov.uk/research/foodborne-disease/the-burden-of-foodborne-disease-in-the-uk-2018-0 ​ In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate 3000 deaths due to foodborne illness per year.[7]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Burden of foodborne illness: findings. Nov 2018 [internet publication]. https://www.cdc.gov/foodborneburden/2011-foodborne-estimates.html ​ Salmonella, Toxoplasma, Listeria, norovirus, and Campylobacter are responsible for 1180 deaths.[7]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Burden of foodborne illness: findings. Nov 2018 [internet publication]. https://www.cdc.gov/foodborneburden/2011-foodborne-estimates.html ​ Unidentified pathogens account for the majority of illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths.[7]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Burden of foodborne illness: findings. Nov 2018 [internet publication]. https://www.cdc.gov/foodborneburden/2011-foodborne-estimates.html ​

Mortality is more common with long-chain mushroom toxins and puffer fish (tetrodotoxin).