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Public Health Home > Environmental Health

Location, Hours, Contact

Location

Columbus Public Health
240 Parsons Ave
Columbus, OH 43215

Hours

7:45 am - 4:45 pm
Mon - Fri

Contact

Foodborne Illness Reporting
(614) 645-1791

Foodborne Illness Reporting

Program Information | Forms and Publications | Resources and Links

Program Information

Mother with ill daughter There are hundreds of microorganisms and numerous chemicals that can cause illness through food or water. Any illness that is caused by eating contaminated food or water is considered a foodborne illness.

Columbus Public Health investigates cases of foodborne illness by collecting and evaluating food histories from people, collecting samples for testing, and conducting inspections of licensed food facilities. Investigations help us discover and correct problems in the food production and distribution system and prevent future illness. Consumers can help by reporting illnesses they suspect might be foodborne.

Foodborne Illnesses
The onset of illness can be almost immediate or up to 70 days, depending on the cause. Some common symptoms are diarrhea, fever, vomiting, jaundice (yellow skin color) and sore throat with fever.

Reporting Illnesses for Consumers
Columbus Public Health takes all citizen complaints regarding food borne illness and food safety seriously. If you believe that you have become ill from something you ate we would like to know. Please call 614-645-1791 and report it to Columbus Public Health. You may also e-mail Columbus Public Health at health@columbus.gov with foodborne illness complaints. For other food safety topics, go to the Food Protection Program page.

Reporting Illnesses for Food Business Owners
Food service workers, managers and owners should consider all reports of possible foodborne illness legitimate and notify Columbus Public Health immediately. Use these Foodborne Illness Reporting Guidelines for Restaurants as a reference when gathering information related to a possible foodborne illness. For other food safety topics for a licensed business owner, go to the Food Protection for Licensed Businesses page.