Food poisoning

Food poisoning often manifests itself as diarrhoea and/or vomiting, which may also be accompanied by fever. Symptoms usually begin 1-12 hours or a few days after ingestion of contaminated food or water and usually last two to three days.

Food poisoning can be caused by bacteria, bacterial toxins and viruses, among other things. Food poisoning is usually caused by inadequate heating, too slow cooling, storage in too hot conditions, cross-contamination, lack of cleanliness or a sick worker.

If you suspect you have food poisoning, please inform your health advisor and be prepared to answer the following questions:

• What have you eaten/drunk in the last 24 hours?
• Was there anything suspicious about the food you ate?
• Is there any food left that you have eaten? If so, put them in a plastic bag and store them in the fridge.
• Have you had a stomach bug in your family recently?
• Have you been abroad in the last month?

The operator must immediately inform the health inspector of any suspected food poisoning that comes to his attention. The municipal health protection authority, together with the authority responsible for combating communicable diseases, shall initiate an investigation into the outbreak of food poisoning in accordance with the decree of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.