Bacteria and Viruses
Bacteria and viruses are the most common cause of food poisoning. The symptoms and severity of food poisoning vary, depending on which bacteria or virus has contaminated the food.
The bacteria and viruses that cause the most illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States are:
General Information
Foodborne Illness A-Z (CDC)
Directory of foodborne illnesses with links to detailed information.
Foodborne Illness & Disease (USDA)
General information plus links to information on specific diseases.
Bad Bug Book (FDA)
Basic facts regarding foodborne pathogenic microorganisms and natural toxins.
Spoilage Bacteria (USDA)
Information on different types of spoilage bacteria, like salmonella and e. coli, that affect food.
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Charts and Tables
Foodborne Illness: What Consumers Need to Know (USDA)
General information, including a chart on 8 bacteria that cause foodborne illness.
Foodborne Illness-Causing Organisms in the U.S. - What You Need to Know (FDA)
General information, including a chart on 16 organisms that cause foodborne illness.
Foodborne Illnesses Table: Bacterial Agents (PDF – 318 KB) (AMA)
Table provides incubation period, symptoms, associated foods, and treatments for 18 bacteria that cause foodborne illness.
Foodborne Illnesses Table: Viral Agents (PDF – 318 KB) (AMA)
Table provides incubation period, symptoms, associated foods, and treatments for 4 viruses that cause foodborne illness.