bad experiences eating out

[12volttnvol]

I was in the area last week and ate at a local restaurant and got sick later in the evening throwing up my dinner. This happened 2 years ago at a different restaurant and in 2007 on the east coast of Florida. The only common denominator is salad or lettuce on a fish sandwich. I have never had the problem at home or on other vacations. I eat shell fish all the time so I know I'm not allergic. Anyone have any suggestions about what is making me sick?

 

[bluecat]

I've heard some restaurants use a vegetable wash for lettuce. My daughter gets ill from having salad in restaurants.Hope that may help, no fun eating out if you get sick.

 

[Andy A]

Were you drinking at the time as well?

 

[12volttnvol]

No alcohol

 

[scooterbug44]

Puking from lettuce is new to me.

There are rare cases of food poisoning/bad seafood and certain people react to the additives/cooking styles/food quality, but that is more "digestive", not puking.

 

[30A Skunkape]

If it matters at all, I eat out at least 10 times per week around here and have never once had food poisoning. In my experience, people are very quick to claim bad food when the culprit is more likely a virus.

 

[ccj]

Most foodborne illnesses take up to 24-48 hours to fully manifest. This usually means you got sick off something you ate a day (or more) ago.

 

[30A Skunkape]

Most foodborne illnesses take up to 24-48 hours to fully manifest. This usually means you got sick off something you ate a day (or more) ago.

I'm not sure that is accurate as Staph food poisoning hits in something like 6-8 hours. I'm not sure if that is the most common foodborne pathogen, but it is right up there at the top of the list.

 

[ccj]

I'm not sure that is accurate as Staph food poisoning hits in something like 6-8 hours. I'm not sure if that is the most common foodborne pathogen, but it is right up there at the top of the list.

You're right Staph toxins do work fast, and if the concern is lettuce or prepared salads, than Staph is a strong possibility (as is Shigellosis). After re-reading the original post, I realized that I missed that the poster mentioned lettuce. Staph usually causes abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Earlier when I referred to most foodbourne illnesses taking a day to manifest, I was trying to summarize and not get too specific.

 

[12volttnvol]

It happens about 6 hours after I eat. I don't believe it's a virus because I feel fine after getting rid of the food. I do have nausea and feel lousy, can't get comfortable till it's over. Thanks for all the replies. I am not condeming local food because I love to patronizie local establishments as opposed to chains. I just want to be more selective in my menu choices.