Risks and Severity

The food-borne illness can be more or less severe depending on the microorganism or toxin ingesteds and the health of the infected person. 

More often than not it is a case of gastroenteritis but sometimes certain serious or even fatal complications can develop:

• septicemia
• kidney failure
• nervous disorders
• miscarriage
• paralysis.

Those at risk are at greater risk of developing food-borne illness-related complications, such as dehydration.

The abusive use of antibiotics by humans and the antibiotic treatment of many animals for consumption favour the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria enter the food chain through animals (e.g.: Salmonella via chickens).

When meat is consumed, resistant bacteria from the animal can be transmitted to humans and cause infections that are sometimes difficult to treat. 

In fact, when a bacterium is resistant, certain antibiotic treatments are ineffective and can lead to complications.