{"id":353385,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:55","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/product-liability\/types-of-food-poisoning.html"},"modified":"2025-09-09T10:04:00","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T15:04:00","slug":"types-of-food-poisoning","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/types-of-food-poisoning.html","title":{"rendered":"Types of Food Poisoning and Foodborne Pathogens"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Types of Food Poisoning and Foodborne Pathogens<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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While most food poisoning cases resolve quickly, dangerous pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria can cause severe complications. Understanding the different types of foodborne illness and recognizing symptoms early can help prevent infection and support a legal claim if contaminated food is to blame.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Food poisoning<\/span>, also known as\u00a0foodborne illness<\/span>,\u00a0is very common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a>\u00a0(CDC<\/span>) reports that 48 million Americans get sick from food poisoning<\/span> annually. Most of these cases are mild and last only a day or two, but some patients\u2019 issues are more serious. The CDC<\/span> also reports that 3,000 die from food poisoning<\/span> yearly.<\/p>\n

Most types of <\/span>food poisoning<\/span> will cause vomiting, stomach cramps<\/span>, and diarrhea. The symptoms are often temporary. But in some cases, a gastrointestinal illness such as E. coli<\/span> or salmonella<\/span> can prove lethal. This is especially true for young children<\/span>, older adults<\/span>, and people with a weakened immune system<\/span>.<\/p>\n

This article explains the different types of foodborne pathogens and illnesses. You\u2019ll also learn how to protect yourself from foodborne illnesses<\/span> and your legal options if you get sick.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve gotten seriously ill from contaminated food<\/span>, you may have a case under tort law. A personal injury attorney<\/a> near you can assess your situation and advise on next steps. If you have a valid claim, your attorney will advocate for your rights and fight for fair compensation.<\/p>\n

How Many Types of Foodborne Illnesses<\/span> Are There?<\/h2>\n

There are at least 250 different kinds of\u00a0food poisoning<\/span> bacteria<\/a>. The most common are E. coli<\/span>, Salmonella<\/span>, and Listeria<\/span>. Typically, when you learn of a food poisoning<\/span> outbreak, the news is usually about one of these illnesses.<\/p>\n

But there are other types. For example, bacteria spread through contaminated food<\/span> or food handling<\/span>. Some of these include:<\/p>\n