Environmental problems Food poisoning

What is food poisoning?

Food poisoning is a foodborne disease such as Salmonella and Campylobacter and caused mainly by bacteria, viruses or chemicals in food.  The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or 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.

What you can do

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 Health Protection Agency if they suspect an outbreak or a link to a food business.

If you wish to report a incident of suspected food poisoning relating to premises in Manchester the following is required:

  • Name and address of the premises where the food was prepared;
  • Date and time the food was eaten.   

What we can do

We investigate food complaints, outbreaks of food poisoning and carry out food hygiene inspections.  We are also responsible for monitoring food hygiene and safety in food premises in Manchester

Find out more

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