Foodborne illness, often called food poisoning or foodborne disease, is any illness that results from eating contaminated food. It is a common cause of diarrheal illness in Wisconsin.
If you believe you or someone you know became ill from eating a certain food, contact your local health department. Reporting illnesses to your local health department helps them identify potential foodborne disease outbreaks. By investigating foodborne disease outbreaks, public health officials learn about possible problems in food production, distribution, and preparation that may cause illness.
If you suspect that you have food poisoning (or an allergic reaction to food) call your doctor.
If it is an emergency, call 911
Additional Resources
- Food Handling and Housekeeping - P-44970 (PDF)
- Handwashing
- Surveillance and Outbreak Support Team - P-01750 (PDF)
- DHS Food Safety information
- Food Safety.gov
- Food Safety — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Healthy Pets, Healthy People (CDC)
- Foodborne and Waterborne Disease Outbreak Investigation Manual - P-44722 (PDF)
Questions about Food Poisoning? Contact us!
Phone: 608-267-9003 | Fax: 608-261-4976
Wisconsin Local Health Departments – Regional offices – Tribal agencies
