When people's stomachs are upset, the first thing most people think of is the last meal that they ate. However, 8 out of 10 times that people feel ill with vomiting or diahrrea, it is because the germs on their hands went into their bodies when they ate and made them feel ill. Most often, it has nothing to do with the quality of the food that they ate.

Although it is possible, it is unlikely that the last meal that you ate caused your illness. Instead, we must look back 72 hours

and sometimes longer to determine the culprit, if we are able to determine it at all. When we investigate a food borne illness, we take a food history to evaluate everything that a person ate in the last 72 hours. In addition, we take a detailed account of symptoms and what time they appeared.

To submit a complaint about a possible food borne illness, please call (509) 249-6541. Be prepared for a 15-20 minute interview regarding your detailed symptoms and food history. We cannot guarantee that all complaints will result in an investigation but we will do our best to collect information that helps in future investigations.

Foodborne Disease Agents by Agent
Foodborne Disease Agents by Incubation Period

Last Updated Friday, March 12, 2010 10:12 AM