Foodborne Illness
What is Foodborne Illness?
Foodborne illness, or food poisoning, is caused by consuming food or beverages contaminated by certain germs. Common germs that cause foodborne illness are Salmonella, E. coli, or Norovirus.
Foodborne illness is very common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 1 out of 6 Americans get sick from food each year.
Reporting Foodborne Illness
Livingston County Health Department investigates reports of suspected foodborne illness.
Symptoms
Symptoms of foodborne illness usually appear 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. However, symptoms may occur between 30 minutes and several weeks later. Symptoms may vary depending on which germ is causing you to be sick.
Common symptoms of foodborne illness include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and fever.
Prevention
Following four simple steps can help protect you from foodborne illness.
- Clean: Wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces often.
- Separate: Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from other foods.
- Cook: Cook foods to the right temperature.
- Chill: Refrigerate perishable foods promptly.
Cook Foods to a Safe Temperature
- Whole cuts of beef, veal, lamb, pork, and fresh ham: 145°F
- Ground meats, such as beef and pork: 160°F
- Egg dishes: 160°F
- Fish: 145°F
- Poultry, including chicken and turkey: 165°F
- Leftovers and casseroles: 165°F
Wash Your Hands Often
- Before and after handling food
- After using the bathroom
- After changing a diaper
- After handling pets
- After caring for a sick person
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After handling raw eggs, meat, or fish
Safer Food Choices
To prevent foodborne illness, some foods are safer choices than others. That’s because some foods are more often associated with foodborne illnesses. These include undercooked meat and eggs, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurized milk.
Some people are more likely to get sick and have a more serious illness from food poisoning. See specific recommendations for food choices if you are in one of these groups:
Stay informed about food product recalls and health alerts that could impact your family: FDA Recalls, USDA Recalls.
Suspect Foodborne Illness?
Recognize the Symptoms: If you have symptoms, consider if you might have eaten contaminated food. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Drinking water or sports drinks can be helpful.
Rest and Recover: Get a lot of rest. Avoid difficult activities until you feel better.
Seek Medical Attention: Contact your healthcare provider if you have severe symptoms. Severe symptoms could include:
- High fever (above 101.5°F or 38.6°C)
- Bloody diarrhea
- Prolonged vomiting or trouble keeping liquids down
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, not urinating much)
Reporting Foodborne Illness
If you believe you have gotten sick from food you ate, please fill out our reporting form. For concerns about a grocery store, convenience store, or gas station, file a complaint with the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.
Please be prepared to provide the following information:
- Your name, address, and phone number (you will remain anonymous to the reported location)
- Name of location where you got the food you believe made you sick
- Address of location where you got the food you believe made you sick (it must be in Livingston County)
- Date of suspect meal
- Specific information about the foods you believe made you sick
- Three-day food eating history
- When your symptoms began and what they were
Last Modified September 2, 2026
