The Environmental Health Unit are encouraging the public to call the Food Safety Hotline 1800 095 646. If you are eating out, whether at a restaurant, takeaway, charity event, market or a party and have some concerns about the food served, call the hotline. Environmental Health Officers are available to provide advice and to take action on food safety issues. Environmental Health Officers will investigate all reports of food safety, including inspecting food premises, educating food handlers, taking food samples for analysis and legal action if necessary. You should expect safe food.
When to call the Hotline?
If you notice any of the following call the Hotline 1800 095 646:
- Hot food that's not hot. Hot food should be at least 60ºC,
- Cold food that's not cold. Cold food should be less than 5ºC. This includes sandwiches and deli produce,
- Foreign objects in your food that you didn't pay for such as hairs, mould, paper, plastic and insects,
- Out of date food,
- Unclean food premises,
- High risk foods such as milk dairy produce, seafood and meat being transported in open and un-refridgerated vehicles,
- Undercooked food that should be cooked,
- If you suffer symptoms of food poisoning such as explosive diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, fever or abdominal cramps. Onset of symptoms can occur from 1-72 hours after you ate,
- Food handlers with uncovered sores,
- Food handlers touching their nose, hair and mouth and not washing their hands,
- Food being handled incorrectly.
Even if you work in the food industry and you believe there are food safety issues with the way food is being stored, handled, prepared and cooked, call the hotline.
What to do if you suspect food poisoning
If the symptoms are severe or if the person is elderly, a very young child or immuno-compromised SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE IMMEDIATELY.
It is of particular concern if the person has signs of bloody diarrhoea. The doctor may ask the food poisoning sufferer to provide a specimen of the bowel movement to help with the diagnosis.
If you believe food bought from a particular food business may have been the cause of food poisoning contact your local Environmental Heath Officer. The Environmental Health Officer has powers to investigate a food complaint and take action.
If you have food that you suspect may be the cause of food poisoning, keep the food wrapped in the fridge (preferably not the freezer) and retain the packaging or containers as it may assist the Environmental Health Officer in the investigation.
