Service Description: Food poisoning can occur when you eat food containing organisms or harmful substances. Additionally the action of certain bacteria breaking down food in our gut can produce poisons. The Environmental Health department, along with the Health Authority, carries out investigations into suspected or actual food poisoning to control the spread, assist recovery and learn from previous problems. Food hygiene inspections are also carried out to try to prevent outbreaks from occurring.
Also known as:- Food Poisoning
Answer: There are many forms of illness which have symptoms commonly associated with food poisoning. If the type of illness has not been identified the officers may ask the person suffering to consult their G.P. to arrange a test. Contact Environmental Health on 823000, who will ask questions regarding what you have eaten over the last 3 days, to try and determine the source of your illness. Where an individual is suffering from confirmed food poisoning it can be difficult to identify the exact source of the problem as it can be as much as 10 days from eating suspect food before symptoms are experienced. However, officers can offer general advice to aid recovery. Officers will investigate any possible common links to food, water or other sources and will take action to reduce the risk to other persons.