Foodborne Illness Complaints

Various bacteria and viruses can cause illness. These disease-causing organisms can be spread when proper food handling procedures are not followed.germsmicro

The most effective things you can do to prevent the spread of foodborne illness are to wash your hands, avoid touching ready-to-eat foods with your bare hands, and not prepare or handle food when you are ill. Keeping hot foods hot, cold foods cold, and avoiding cross-contamination are also important food safety procedures.

If you suspect you have been exposed to a foodborne illness, please contact Environmental Health Services. We will begin an investigation and try to help prevent the further spread of the illness. Please visit your doctor if necessary. We do not provide medical services.

You can also find more information about foodborne illnesses (and preventing them) at these websites:

FoodSafety.gov - FoodSafety.gov is the website gateway to food safety information provided by multiple government agencies. Consumer-oriented web page for finding information on food recalls, alerts, and foodborne illnesses with practical tips from the experts to help you and your family stay food safe.

Food Safety Information for Consumers - Washington State University
Complete information about how to prevent foodborne illness - food temperatures, hygiene, cross-contamination, and more.

Bad Bug Book - U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Detailed technical glossary of many foodborne illnesses.