What are unsafe foods?

There are many reasons a food may become unsafe. This includes when it has expired (past its 'use-by' date) or is mouldy.

Sometimes, food may be contaminated. This means that it is mixed with something that shouldn't be eaten. Examples include human or animal faeces (poo), cat litter, dirt, bugs, snails, slugs or pet food.

Eating unsafe or contaminated food may lead to food poisoning. Food poisoning usually isn't serious and gets better on its own. Most people feel stomach pain or cramps and may have nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. Simple treatments can help with symptoms.

Read more on how to cook and cool food safely.

What should I do if someone eats unsafe foods?

Eating unsafe foods can be dangerous or may not cause serious harm — it depends on many factors. Here are some things to consider:

• If food was contaminated with a poison, seek urgent advice. Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 immediately.
• If the person who ate the unsafe food is a child or has a medical condition, call healthdirect (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• If you think your baby or young child may have licked, sucked or swallowed unsafe food but has no signs of illness (such as vomiting or diarrhoea), call for advice. You can speak to a maternal child health nurse at Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436. Available from 7 am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week (including public holidays).
• If you have symptoms, such as vomiting, nausea or diarrhoea, use the online Symptom checker for advice on when to seek medical attention.

What happens if you eat expired or mouldy food?

Date marks on packaged foods help you know how long food stays safe to eat. There are 3 main types:

• Use-by dates — these are for foods that can be dangerous if eaten after that date. Never eat or buy food past this date.
• Best-before dates — the food is still safe to eat for a while, but it may not taste as fresh. Shops can still sell these foods if they are in good condition.
• Bread is different — it can have a 'baked-on' date or 'baked-for' date if the shelf life is less than 7 days.

Always check date marks to make sure your food is safe.

Eating expired or mouldy food can lead to health issues. Some moulds make harmful substances called mycotoxins. These can travel more easily through some foods than others depending on:

• the ingredients in the food
• whether the food is hard or soft
• the storage temperature

Soft foods like bread should be thrown away if there's any mould. This is because tiny mould threads can grow deep inside the bread, even if you can't see them.

If you have any signs of food poisoning, use the Symptom checker for advice on when to seek medical attention.

What happens if you eat human or animal faeces (poo)?

Eating human or animal poo can make you sick because it contains harmful germs, such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. They can cause stomach pain, diarrhoea, vomiting or other serious illnesses.

You can get sick if you accidentally swallow poo from:

• dirty hands
• contaminated food
• unclean water

Some diseases spread between people this way. Wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet or touching animals. Good hygiene helps keep you safe from harmful germs.

If you are planning to travel, check the water quality of your destination before leaving Australia.

Read more on what happens when germs infect your gut.

What happens if you eat plants?

While plants, such as fruits and vegetables, are part of a heathy diet, some plants are not safe to eat.

Tips to stay safe when eating plants include:

• Buy your fruit and vegetables from a licenced shop, such as a supermarket or a grocery store.
• If you grow your own fruit and vegetables, follow the manufacturer's instructions when using soil and fertilisers.
• If you pick wild plants, only eat them after checking they are safe.
• Wash off any dirt or spoil before eating edible plants.

What happens if you eat wild mushrooms?

Eating wild mushrooms can be dangerous because some are poisonous (toxic). They can be hard to tell apart from safe ones.

Toxic mushrooms can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, confusion, or even serious organ damage or death. Some symptoms start right away, while others take hours.

Here are some tips on what to do if someone eats a wild mushroom:

• Get medical help immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
• Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
• Take a sample of the mushroom, if possible, to help doctors identify it.

Never eat wild mushrooms unless an expert confirms they are safe. If you're unsure, don't eat it.

What happens if you eat dirt or other non-food items, such as sand?

Eating things that aren't food, such as dirt, sand, paper, soap or hair, can be dangerous and may cause health problems.

Doing this regularly or in an ongoing way, it might be a sign of a condition called pica.

Dirt and other non-food items may have bacteria or parasites that can make you sick. Eating these can cause diarrhoea, constipation, gut blockages or even damage to your intestines.

Soaps are not made to be eaten, and some may have harmful chemicals.

Eating non-food items can stop your body from getting the vitamins and minerals it needs.

What if my child eats dirt or other non-food items?

If your child eats non-food items, remove them where possible and offer safer alternatives.

See a doctor if you or someone you care for:

• eats non-food items regularly
• has severe symptoms, such as stomach pain, constipation or diarrhoea
• feels tired or sick for no clear reason

Read more on swallowed substances.

What happens if you eat cat litter?

Cat litter can be unsafe as it may contain harmful germs and parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite is found in cat poo and can cause a disease called toxoplasmosis in humans. This infection is especially dangerous if you are pregnant. It can lead to stillbirth or severe birth defects.

Everyone should avoid eating cat litter. If you are pregnant, avoid touching cat litter to reduce your risk of infection.

Read more on safety of pets in the family.

What happens if you eat bugs, snails or slugs?

Eating wild insects, snails or slugs can be risky because they might carry harmful parasites or bacteria. Snails and slugs can carry a parasite that can cause a serious illness called eosinophilic meningitis.

Some cultures regularly eat bugs, snails and slugs. These are usually farmed or prepared for use as human food.

Some people may have allergic reactions to eating bugs, snails or slugs. They may also carry dirt or soil from their environment.

Here are some tips for staying safe:

• Don't eat wild insects or snails.
• If you do eat them, cook them well to kill any harmful germs.
• See a doctor if you feel sick after eating them.

Read more about food allergies.

What happens if you eat pet food?

Eating pet food can be unsafe for humans. Some pet foods, especially raw ones, may have harmful bacteria like Salmonella. This can cause food poisoning, leading to symptoms, such as stomach pain, diarrhoea and fever.

See your doctor if you've accidentally eaten pet food and have symptoms.

Resources and support

• Watch the NSW Food Authority video about food poisoning.
• The Department of Health and Aged Care has information about food standards and safety.
• The Food Safety Information Council has information on safe food preparation.

You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

• The Food Safety Information Council has information on food safety for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• View the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander guide to healthy eating at The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet.

Other languages

• The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network offers information about poisonous and harmful plants translated in many community languages.
• Nutrition Australia has a guide to understanding food labels in different languages.