The NHS has listed nine symptoms and early signs of food poisoning caused by food containing salmonella.
Advice from health officials comes after a number of major supermarkets and retailers recalled chicken products over fears they could be contaminated with the bacteria.
The Food Standards Authority (FSA) told customers that Cranswick Country Food is recalling a number of affected products.
It has been reported that the manufacturer supplies the likes of Costa, Starbucks, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and more.
Pret A Manger has withdrawn all items containing chicken, while Aldi and Sainsbury’s have pulled sandwiches, wraps and other chicken goods following the warning.
It is not clear if anyone has become ill after eating any of the affected products.
We have previously listed all of the products affected by the product recall amid the salmonella fears here.
Symptoms of food poisoning
NHS Scotland describes food poisoning as an illness caused by eating contaminated food. It is not usually serious and most people tend to get better within a few days without treatment.
One of the causes of food poisoning comes from food that is infected by bacteria, such as salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli), or a virus such as norovirus.
Symptoms of food poisoning usually begins within one to two days of eating contaminated food.
But health officials have warned that they may start as early as a few hours or even several weeks later.
The full list of main symptoms includes:
- Feeling sick
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea, which may contain blood or mucus
- Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
- Lack of energy and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- High fever
- Aching muscles
- Chills
How can you help yourself recover from the symptoms?
The NHS advises that people should rest and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration during their illness - this includes drinking water, even if you can only sip it.
When you start to feel better, you should try small and light meals at first and stick to bland foods, such as toast, crackers, bananas and rice.
When should you seek medical help?
People who are struggling with their symptoms should seek help from their GP under the following circumstances:
- When your symptoms are severe - for example, if you’re unable to keep down any fluids because you are vomiting repeatedly.
- Your symptoms do not start to improve after a few days.
- If you have symptoms of severe dehydration, such as confusion, a rapid heartbeat, sunken eyes and passing little to no urine.
- If you’re pregnant.
- If you’re over 60.
- If your baby or young child has suspected food poisoning.
- If you have a long term underlying health conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), heart valve disease, diabetes or kidney disease.
- If you have a weak immune system - for example, because of medication, cancer treatment or HIV.
