How Long Does Food Poisoning Last? The duration of food poisoning varies widely, typically lasting between a few hours to several days. It hinges on various factors, including the type of contaminant, the individual's health, and the amount of contaminated food consumed. Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps usually subside within 48 hours, but severe cases might persist for a week or longer, requiring medical attention.