Food 

Food Hygiene and Food Poisoning 

Food Poisoning 

Food poisoning is caused by eating food that has been contaminated by microorganisms (pathogens), toxins or chemicals. Bacteria are the most common cause of food poisoning. It should be noted that many stomach viruses also produce similar symptoms to food poisoning and are highly contagious. 

For more information please refer to Food poisoning (healthywa.wa.gov.au).  

Complaints 

Environmental Health Officers investigate food poisoning incidents and food business hygiene complaints where the food business is located within the City of Nedlands.  

Lodging a Food Hygiene Complaint 

If you have concerns regarding the hygiene standards of a food business please complete the Food Business Hygiene Complaint Form and submit it via the button below.

Submit Food Hygiene Complaint Form

Lodging a Food Poisoning Complaint 

If you suspect you have acquired food poisoning from a food premises within the City’s district please complete the following steps:  

  1. Go to your doctor - if you think you have food poisoning, see your doctor as soon as possible and request that a faecal sample be analysed. Analysis of the sample will assist in identification of the food(s) that may have caused the food poisoning.   
  2. Food consumption recall - As it may take several days for food poisoning to induce symptoms when reporting a food poisoning incident it is important to try to recall the foods that you may have consumed within at least three days prior to the date of the incident and if food was consumed at any other premises or if it was predominantly consumed at home. Of particular importance is if you have eaten any: 
      • Premade salads 
      • Sushi or similar products containing cooked and cooled rice 
      • Foods that have previously been cooked and then reheated 
      • Products that may contain raw egg (e.g. fresh mayonnaise or sauces) 
      • Meats particularly chicken that may not have been cooked thoroughly 
      • Unpasteurised milk or unpasteurised milk products
      • Raw shellfish 
  1. Food samples - Any remaining suspect food that has been immediately covered and refrigerated (at 5°C or below) or frozen, until collected by City’s Environmental Health staff for analysis. 
  2. Proof of purchase - Any food packages, receipts or other evidence that have been retained, which identify the product and where it was purchased from. 
  3. Travel and contact with animals - It is also important to note if you have recently travelled overseas, had any contact with individuals that may have had similar gastroenteritis symptoms or had any recent contact with wild animals or birds or domestic puppies or kittens. 
  4. Lodge your complaint with the City- To report a food poisoning incident please complete the Food Poisoning Complaint Form and submit it via the button below.

Submit Food Poisoning Complaint Form