Emedinews:Insights on Medicolegal Issues:What are causes of food poisoning?

Food or drinks can be contaminated by poison from microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, or mould, or by chemical poisons. Some plants, mushrooms, animals or sea–creatures contain poisonous chemicals. Poisons made by plants, animals or microorganisms are called toxins.

• Food may be contaminated by bacteria before or after cooking, during preparation or storage, by contact with hands that have not been thoroughly washed, or with contaminated surfaces, containers or kitchen utensils. It may also be contaminated by animals or insects, particularly flies. Heating food thoroughly destroys most – but not all – bacteria and bacterial toxins. However, if cooked food is kept warm or at room temperature for any length of time, bacteria present in the food will multiply and may cause disease.
• Moulds grow on foods that are damp or damaged by insects, and some moulds produce poisons. Moulds growing on nuts or grain that has been gathered and stored before it is dry may cause serious poisoning. Some ways of drying and preserving food do not stop moulds growing on the food.