Foodborne Illness

Foodborne illness is caused by consuming food or beverages that are contaminated by disease-causing microbes (pathogens). Of note many foodborne pathogens also can be acquired through recreational or drinking water, from contact with animals or their environment, or through person-to-person spread.

• Causes and Symptoms of Foodborne Illness
  Symptoms and causes of foodborne illness and links to disease-specific information.
  
  
• Food Safety Basics: Preventing Foodborne Illness
  There's a lot you can do to handle and prepare your food safely. Learn what you can do to prepare, serve and store food safely.
  Hand Hygiene | Cross Contamination | Don't Prepare Food If You are Ill | Temperatures | Thermometers | Grilling and BBQ Safety | Slow Cooker Safety | Home Canning | Cold Storage | Shelf Storage
  
  
• Reporting Suspected Foodborne and Waterborne Illness
  Please contact the Minnesota Department of Health if you suspect you have a foodborne or waterborne illness. MDH will relay the necessary information to the appropriate local health authorities.
  
  
• Submitting a Stool Sample
  How to use a Minnesota Department of Health stool collection kit to easily collect your stool sample and send it to the Minnesota Department of Health laboratory for testing.
  
  
• Foodborne Outbreaks
  Information about foodborne illness outbreaks, including detection and investigation in Minnesota.
  Outbreak Basics | Reporting Suspected Illness | Outbreak Detection | Outbreak Investigations | Outbreak Statistics | For Schools, Day Care, and Long-term Care Facilities
  


• Foodborne Illness Surveillance Statistics
  Summary surveillance statistics for outbreaks and selected diseases.
  
  
• Foodborne Illness Print Materials
  Signs, posters and other materials on foodborne illness that you can print and use.
  


• Health Care Provider Information on Foodborne Illness
  Clinical information and required reporting information.
  
  
• Child Care Provider Information on Diarrheal Illness
  Diarrhea (loose stools) is a common symptom of several infections that can be easily spread to other children or staff in child care settings.
  
  
• Minnesota Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence
  Resources and trainings for public health professionals.