Food poisoning
Food poisoning is a foodborne disease often caused by consuming food or drink contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses or chemicals. Symptoms may include diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain.
It takes time for the infection to develop inside the gut (typically 12-36 hours), so it may be caused by food eaten the day before or even two days ago. Time periods can be longer than that, so investigations often involve looking at what the person infected has eaten, drunk or come into contact with 2 weeks before the start of the illness.
What should you do if you think you have food poisoning?
If you feel you are suffering from the symptoms of food poisoning you should visit your doctor who may arrange for a stool sample to be sent to a laboratory for testing. If it is confirmed as food poisoning the doctor will notify us and the UK Health & Security Agency if they suspect an outbreak or a link to a food business.
Food poisoning in relation to a business premise
If you wish to report an incident of suspected food poisoning relating to a food business in Stockport contact this department providing details of the premises, the food eaten, when it was eaten and symptoms experienced.
What will we do?
We investigate food complaints, outbreaks of food poisoning and carry out food hygiene inspections.
We do not investigate anonymous, isolated or unconfirmed cases of food poisoning.
Where an investigation is not necessary, we will still register your concerns in relation to the business.
More information?
For trusted food safety advice and health information, residents can visit the NHS website for guidance on illness and wellbeing, the CDC's food safety pages for practical tips on preventing foodborne illness at home, and the UK Government's Home Food Fact Checker to help answer common questions about storing, preparing and eating food safely.