The duration of food poisoning can vary depending on the specific bacteria or toxins responsible and individual factors. Typically, symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain begin within hours or days of consuming contaminated food and can last from a few hours to several days. Mild cases may resolve in 24 to 48 hours, while severe cases could persist for a week or longer. It's essential to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or if there's blood in the stool, high fever, or signs of dehydration.