Food hygiene for consumers

If you suspect you or someone you know may have contracted a foodborne illness while in Newark and Sherwood, contact us using the details at the bottom of this page. Often calls from concerned members of the public are how outbreaks are first detected.

Initially we will contact you for information. In the more serious cases, we then ask more detailed questions and formal investigations may be carried out.

If we contact you to find out more about an illness you had, we may want to know the following:

• what symptoms were suffered and when they started
• what foods were eaten in the past 72 hours
• where food was eaten in the past 72 hours
• whether members of family have suffered similar symptoms
• whether any pets or animals have been ill
• whether any open farms have been visited
• whether contact may have been made with potentially contaminated water
• whether you a food handler, or do you work with the young, elderly or people who are immuno-suppressed
• if you are ringing about your child, we will need to know how old the child is and about their childcare arrangements

More information

Find out more about the symptoms of food poisoning and what to do on the NHS website. Most people with food poisoning recover at home and don't need any specific treatment, but if you’re concerned, it’s best to contact your GP.