There are a number of illnesses that can spread through food handling. Whether you are preparing food in a professional setting like a restaurant or at home in your own kitchen, be sure to take steps to prevent the spread of illnesses.
Foodborne illnesses are most often cause by a virus, bacteria, or parasite. Common symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. While most people recover from a foodborne illness without lasting effects, a foodborne illness is still a miserable experience and in some cases can be more serious.
To prevent foodborne illness, always be sure to:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water before handling or eating food.
- Do not prepare or handle food for others when you are sick.
- Keep the area where you prep food clean, and always sanitize surfaces after handling raw meat or other higher risk foods.
- Use separate cutting boards, knives, and other tools for meat and for fruits, vegetables, bread or other items.
- Always cook meat to a safe internal temperature.
- Refrigerate leftover food within two hours of cooking. Store perishable items like meat at a temperature of 41 degrees F or colder.
- If you suspect you’ve gotten sick after eating food in Snohomish County, please contact us to report your illness at our illness reporting voicemail line 425-339-8680, or submit a report online through the Foodborne Illness Notification System (FINS).
Learn more at Food Illness Reporting | Snohomish County Health Department, WA.