Staph Aureus Food Poisoning
DefinitionStaph aureus food poisoning is an illness that results from eating food contaminated by a toxin produced by the Staphlococcus aureus bacteria.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Staphlococcus aureus food poisoning is often caused when a food handler contaminates food products such as desserts, salads, or baked goods (especially custards, mayonnaise, and cream-filled or topped desserts) that are served or stored at room or refrigerator temperature.
The bacteria multiplies rapidly in the food, and a large colony of bacteria may be present without evidence of food spoilage. Risk factors include ingestion of food prepared by a person with a skin infection, ingestion of food kept at room temperature, ingestion of improperly prepared food, and symptoms occurring in persons eating the same food.
Symptoms usually appear within 4 to 6 hours. The disease is common in the U.S.
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