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Reporting Food Poisoning

Protecting public health by investigating food poisoning reports and preventing further illness.

Department

• Local Authorities (Environmental Health Teams)
Investigate food poisoning complaints and enforce food safety and hygiene standards. They are part of environmental health services, which are responsible for handling food safety and hygiene concerns.

• Food Standards Agency (FSA)
Sets food safety policy, monitors risks and supports national responses to foodborne illness across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Intent

To enable individuals to report suspected food poisoning after eating out, allowing authorities to investigate, protect public health, and prevent further illness.  

Interaction

Operational Delivery Profession (ODP) colleagues support individuals in reporting suspected food poisoning and ensure cases are directed to the appropriate local authority. 

Environmental health teams investigate reports by assessing food preparation, handling, cooking, and storage practices at the premises involved. Where issues are identified, they provide guidance or take enforcement action to improve standards and reduce further risk. 

If multiple cases or a wider outbreak is suspected, local authorities notify the FSA. This enables national monitoring, risk assessment, and coordinated public health action where necessary.

Throughout the interaction, colleagues ensure information is recorded accurately, handled securely, and acted on promptly to protect consumers. 

Responsibilities

  • Record and process food poisoning reports accurately 

  • Ensure cases are referred to the correct local authority 

  • Support investigations with clear and reliable information 

  • Provide guidance on reporting and next steps 

  • Escalate risks where wider public health concerns are identified 

  • Handle personal and sensitive information securely 

Collaboration

Organisation / Body

Role or Linked Process

NHS and Public Health Services 

Identify, treat, and monitor cases of foodborne illness. 

Laboratory Services 

Test samples to confirm causes of illness or outbreaks. 

Local Authority Regulatory Services 

Carry out inspections and enforcement.

Food Businesses 

Must comply with food hygiene regulations and implement improvements.