ICD-10 Code A05.8 – Other specified bacterial foodborne intoxications (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A05.8 – Other specified bacterial foodborne intoxications
What it is
A05.8 identifies foodborne illness caused by a bacterial toxin or intoxication that is not classified elsewhere. Use it when the record names a specific bacterial foodborne intoxication but not a more exact ICD-10 category.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical foodborne intoxication may include sudden nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, or diarrhea after eating contaminated food.
When to use this code
Use this code when the clinician documents an “other specified” bacterial foodborne intoxication and no more specific code fits. It may apply to isolated intoxications linked to a bacterial toxin in food, when the organism or syndrome is not otherwise classified. Check documentation for the exact wording and causal agent.
Do not use for
Do not use A05.8 for unspecified food poisoning or for bacterial enteritis without toxin-mediated intoxication. If the record gives a different confirmed organism or a nonbacterial cause, choose the more specific code.
Coding tip
Code the documented toxin-mediated foodborne intoxication only when the note supports it; otherwise, check documentation.