Several high-profile outbreaks of foodborne illnesses have recently occurred, from Boar's Head deli meats to McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers.

Foodborne illnesses are shockingly common in the United States. The CDC reports that about 48 million people get sick from foodborne diseases yearly.

Unfortunately, children under 5 are disproportionately affected by foodborne illnesses, accounting for 30% of foodborne illness deaths. 

Sickness from a foodborne illness generally lasts from a few hours to several days. Symptoms can start within hours, days, or weeks after exposure to the contaminated food. Common symptoms of food poisoning include fever, nausea, vomiting,

watery or bloody diarrhea, and belly pain.

In most cases, your child will get better without treatment, but it's always a good idea to consult your pediatrician if your child has symptoms of food poisoning - especially if their symptoms have not improved or worsened within 24 hours.