What kind of food poisoning can be caused by eating half-cooked poultry?

Eating half-cooked poultry can lead to several types of food poisoning, the most common being:

1. Salmonella: This is the most frequent cause of food poisoning from poultry. Salmonella bacteria are commonly found in the intestines of poultry, and can survive even at relatively high temperatures. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting.

2. Campylobacter: This bacterium is also commonly found in raw poultry. It can cause a severe gastrointestinal infection, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes blood in the stool.

3. Clostridium perfringens: This bacteria is often found in the soil and can contaminate poultry during processing. It produces toxins that cause food poisoning symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea, usually within 6 to 24 hours of eating contaminated food.

4. Listeria monocytogenes: While less common than other bacteria, Listeria can be present in poultry and is especially dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. It can cause flu-like symptoms, meningitis, and even sepsis.

5. E. coli: While not as common in poultry as in other meats like beef, E. coli can be present. It can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting.

It's crucial to thoroughly cook poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill harmful bacteria. This includes all parts of the meat, not just the thickest part.

Here are some other important tips to avoid food poisoning:

* Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw poultry.

* Wash all surfaces and utensils that have come into contact with raw poultry.

* Don't cross-contaminate by placing cooked poultry on the same plate or surface that held raw poultry.

* Refrigerate leftovers promptly and eat them within 3-4 days.

* Avoid consuming poultry that has been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours.

If you experience any symptoms of food poisoning, consult a doctor immediately.