Final answer:
Bacterial food poisoning causes secretory diarrhea, characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Dehydration can also occur in severe cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bacterial food poisoning causes secretory diarrhea. The toxins produced by bacteria damage the cells lining the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the colon. This leads to the common symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal cramps. In some severe cases, food poisoning can also cause dehydration and changes in blood pressure and heart rate.