Foodborne Illness Reporting

How to Report a Foodborne Illness (Food Poisoning)

Do you think you got sick from something you ate? Fill out a foodborne illness report!

A lot of people think they got sick from their last meal. Some germs make you sick soon after eating, but others can take up to 3 or more days to develop.

Use our secure online report below, or call us at (608) 266-4821.

We’ll ask you:

• Your symptoms
• Places you’ve recently visited
• What you’ve eaten in the last few days

File an Online Foodborne Illness Report

The information you enter is safe, secure and confidential.

What we do with your report

Your report is sent to us, and only authorized staff can see it. Information you provide will not be shared with restaurants or any third parties. You can remain anonymous. We will not give your name to anyone outside of our department without your permission.

A Sanitarian and Epidemiologist will review your report. For some reports, we follow up with the food establishment with a phone call, a visit, or an inspection.

Get Medical Advice

Contact your health care provider, especially if:

• You are having severe symptoms like bloody diarrhea, severe nausea and vomiting, or a high fever.
• You are pregnant
• You are elderly
• You have a weak immune system
• The sick person is an infant

These people are at higher risk of getting sick from germs in contaminated food. They are also at higher risk of developing serious medical problems.

Protect Yourself and Others from Food Poisoning

Food poisoning can happen at home, in restaurants, and at community meals like a potluck. There are many causes of foodborne illness, such as:

• Improperly cooked or stored food
• Contamination of food by:
  •  A sick food handler
  • Other contaminated food
  • Dirty equipment or utensils

Take action to stay healthy.

Wash your hands

• Before making food
• After handling foods that may have bacteria, like raw chicken or other meat
• After going to the bathroom

Keep hot foods HOT

• Cook foods to proper temperatures.
• Keep the food hot until served.

Keep cold foods COLD

• Cool hot foods quickly to store them in the refrigerator or freezer.
• Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator.
• Keep cold food cold until served.

Don't cross contaminate food

• Keep raw meats away from other foods, especially if the other foods are done cooking, like hamburger buns or lettuce.
• Wash all equipment (knives, cutting boards) that have been in contact with raw meat, poultry, or fish with soap and water.

Don't make food for others if you’ve been sick

Norovirus is the most common cause of food poisoning. It spreads easily and causes diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

If you’ve been sick:

• Disinfect surfaces
• Don't prepare food for 24–48 hours after your symptoms have gone away.

Resources

• Food Safety, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Food Poisoning, WI Department of Health Services