Infectious Diseases

We are notified of cases of Infectious Disease so we can investigate them and compile weekly statistics.

Many cases of Infectious Disease that are notified to the Food Safety Team are or could be linked to food, so detailed investigations are carried out on all notified or suspected food poisoning incidents to identify the cause and to prevent the spread of disease.

The majority of notifications are sporadic or isolated cases that are not connected to other cases or to a food business. However major outbreaks do occur. When this happens the outbreak investigation takes priority as it involves detailed inspections, interviews and sampling from the suspected source.

We work in close collaboration with the Communicable Disease Control Staff at the Health Protection Agency in Worcester.

If you suspect that you are suffering from food poisoning or are showing any symptoms, it is important that you visit your Doctor but you should also advise your Food Safety Team if you believe a food business may have been the cause.