noun
1. : either of two acute gastrointestinal disorders caused by bacteria or their toxic products:
a. : a rapidly developing intoxication marked by nausea, vomiting, prostration, and often severe diarrhea and caused by the presence in food of toxic products produced by bacteria (as certain staphylococci)
b. : a less rapidly developing infection especially with salmonellas that has generally similar symptoms and that results from multiplication of bacteria ingested with contaminated food — called also bacterial food poisoning ; compare botulism , mussel poisoning , salmonellosis
2. : a gastrointestinal disturbance occurring after consumption of food which is contaminated with chemical residues (as from sprays) or food (as certain fungi) which is inherently unsuitable for human consumption