Recognising and treating food poisoning
Machine translation from Dutch, not yet checked by a clinician.
Food poisoning causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Rehydration is the first treatment.
What to do
• Make sure enough fluid is taken in — frequent small sips of water or ORS
• Rest in a comfortable position
• Avoid solid food for the first 4 to 6 hours
• Start with easily digestible food once things improve: toast, banana, rice
• Watch for signs of severe dehydration
Do not do
• Do not use anti-diarrhoea medicines in the early stage — this stops the body expelling toxins
• Do not force food on someone who is actively vomiting
Warning signs
• Blood in the stool or vomit
• High fever combined with vomiting
• Neurological symptoms such as blurred vision or paralysis
Get help if
• Symptoms do not improve after 24 to 48 hours
• There are signs of severe dehydration (see the dehydration entry)
• The person is vulnerable: a baby, an older person, someone pregnant, or someone with a chronic illness
Why this matters
Food poisoning can escalate quickly through severe dehydration or in vulnerable groups. Early rehydration prevents complications.
Source: RIVM Voedselveiligheid · reviewed 2025-01-01