Find out about the steps you can take to avoid food poisoning, and how to report suspected food poisoning from a food business in the City of Cockburn.
Important note: If you believe you have food poisoning, seek medical advice immediately.
Food poisoning is any illness caused by eating food or drink that is contaminated with certain types of bacteria, parasites, viruses or toxins.
Typically, symptoms appear a few days after eating, but sometimes they can take longer.
Do you believe you or a family member may have contracted food poisoning from a business within the City of Cockburn?
Here's what you should do:
- Tell us about it: Fill in the Public Health Complaint Form.
- Save some of the food: If you've still got some of the food that made you ill, put it in the freezer. We might need to test it.
- Keep your receipt: It's proof of where and when you bought the food.
- Write down what happened: Note when you ate the food, how you felt afterwards, if others felt the same way, where you bought it, and if you've told the business about it.
Once your complaint is received, the City's Environmental Health Officer may inspect any leftover food samples and further investigate the reported business. Please note that laboratory tests for food samples typically take between 5-14 days to complete.
If you're keeping food to eat later, make sure you store it safely to avoid getting sick. Refer to Food safety guidelines for taking home leftover food.
Please contact the City’s Health Services team for more information on reporting suspected food poisoning on 08 9411 3444 or email [email protected].
For more information about food poisoning, including signs and symptoms, the types of food poisoning, and how food poisoning can be prevented, visit the Department of Health.