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Report a Problem with Food
If you think you or a family member has food poisoning or that food from a store or restaurant is contaminated, it is important to report the problem quickly and effectively.
Know the Sympotoms
Consuming dangerous foodborne bacteria will usually cause illness within 1 to 3 days of eating the contaminated food. However, sickness can also occur within 20 minutes or up to six weeks later. Although most people will recover from a foodborne illness within a short period of time, some can develop chronic, severe, or even life-threatening health problems.
Foodborne illness can sometimes be confused with other illnesses that have similar symptoms. The symptoms of foodborne illness can include:
- Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, and body ache.
Report Food Poisoning
If you or someone you know is showing symptoms of a foodborne illness, call your health provider immediately. If it’s an emergency, call 911.
If you believe you or someone you know became ill from eating a certain food, contact your local health department. IDPH has a directory of local health departments available here: https://idph.illinois.gov/IDPHPrograms/v_LHDDirectory/Show-V-LHDDirectory-Public.aspx. If you need additional assistance, contact the IDPH food program at DPH.Food@Illinois.gov.
Investigating Problems with Food
To help public health investigate your concerns, be prepared to tell the local health department information about the illness, the food, and share photos or details.