bad experiences eating out

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.

Were you drinking at the time as well?

No alcohol

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I think you have an allergy or reaction to something.

Is it possible that the lettuce wasn't washed and had a pathogen on it? Many restaurants are lax in washing lettuce, especially for sandwiches. Could have just been luck of the lettuce draw.

If I were you, I would keep a food diary. I think bluecat may have something. The culprit may be found in something you're eating that is NOT poisonous, but just not tolerated well by your body. For example, I'm lactose intolerant. I ask if I don't know what is in batters, dressings, etc. I have been eating out here for 20+ years and have NEVER gotten ill from ANY restaurant food in SoWal...that weren't from my own allergies. Good luck and good health, 12volttnvol.http://www.sowal.com/bb/member.php/15628-12volttnvol

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.

SB, you're right...digestive is the word. A funny, true story.
We have a restaurant in town that is very good and quite popular especially for lunch......but ask anybody, they were putting "diarrhea dust" on those salads....and the reaction was almost immediate....no lingering over lunch if you know what I mean. It took a while for folks to fess up to each other that they really didn't have an "urgent meeting" right after lunch. And for others to say "Really, me either, I just had to GO. Finally conversation spread and we all realized that everyone had issues after eating salad in this particular restaurant. Someone told the owner, the problem was fixed. Probably an additive or something the lettuce was washed with. Anyway, they changed where they got their salad ingredients and all is right with the world. But if no one ever said anything, I'm sure this restaurant would be out of business by now.

I think you have an allergy or reaction to something.

I agree. 12voltvol, true food poisoning does not resolve with a round of vomiting, the victim feels terrible for quite some time. Could it be that you are indulging in fare a little richer than normal when on vacation? Your stomach might be protesting an abnormally large load of fat, sugar or what have you. Sometimes certain foods can really bring your stomach's normal emptying rate to a grinding halt and your brain will eventually trigger the vomiting reflex to empty it. That is one scenario where I could understand feeling bloated and uncomfortable and then enjoying complete relief after vomiting. Not trying to get into your private affairs, but this condition is especially common in diabetics.

SB, you're right...digestive is the word. A funny, true story.
We have a restaurant in town that is very good and quite popular especially for lunch......but ask anybody, they were putting "diarrhea dust" on those salads....and the reaction was almost immediate....no lingering over lunch if you know what I mean. It took a while for folks to fess up to each other that they really didn't have an "urgent meeting" right after lunch. And for others to say "Really, me either, I just had to GO. Finally conversation spread and we all realized that everyone had issues after eating salad in this particular
restaurant. Someone told the owner, the problem was fixed. Probably an additive or something the lettuce was washed with. Anyway, they changed where they got their salad ingredients and all is right with the world. But if no one ever said anything, I'm sure this restaurant would be out of business by now.

Just to clarify. This wasn't a restaurant anywhere near SOWAL. It's in my home town where everyone knows the owner and it became kind of a local joke.

Move on

Brush your teeth ,shot of tequila. You will be just fine