Knox City Council - Food Related Complaints

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Page Last Updated:
Monday, 4 June 2012

Home>Council Services>Health Services>Food Premises Registration and Food Safety>Food Safety & Food Related Complaints>Food Related Complaints

Food Related Complaints

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Food Poisoning

Physical and Microbiological Food Contamination

Seafood and Meat Related Complaints

Dairy Product Related Complaints

For more information

Food Poisoning

Food poisoning can occur to anyone at anytime. Although it is often assumed that the last meal consumed before becoming sick is the cause, food poisoning can be the result of any food consumed up to 72 hours (three days) before the onset of symptoms. While there are many illnesses that can present food poisoning-like symptoms such as fever, stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting, food poisoning can only be confirmed when specific bacteria or viruses are isolated. This is done by analysing a faecal sample and the suspected food. If you believe you are suffering from food poisoning it is important that you contact both your doctor and Knox Council's Health Services Unit on 9298 8000 as soon as possible. To assist us with our investigation, you may be asked to complete a four day food history listing all foods and drinks consumed before the start of symptoms. Providing us with any left over food samples you suspect may have been the cause can also help with our investigation provided it has been stored correctly. A faecal specimen from any affected person will also help us to identify the possible cause of food poisoning. Note: If you or your child have eaten something that is poisonous contact the POISONS INFORMATION SERVICE immediately on 13 1126 (Australia wide freecall) or seek medical advice. Top

Physical and Microbiological Food Contamination

Physical food contamination is caused by foreign objects being found in food such as hair, plastic, glass, insects or any other substance not included in the ingredient list on the product. Microbiological food contamination occurs when a product is exposed to bacteria or fungi that grows in or on the product. There are often no obvious signs to indicate this type of contamination. Discolouration, bad odour or mould are an indication of poor food handling practice or temperature abuse. While microbiological contamination is sometimes caused by food being held at the wrong temperature or a fault in processing it can also be the result of food being passed its use by date (see also Food Labelling Information for Consumers). There are a few options for consumers who find foreign objects in food or who have purchsed contaminated food products. These include returning the product to the place of purchase, contacting the manufacturer or their local Council. We encourage you in every instance to contact your local Council so that the matter can be investigated. This may involve a visit to the place of purchase or manufacturer of the product to inspect their food handling processes. While your complaint may be an isolated incident, which can be dealt with quickly, it could be part of a much bigger issue. Reporting all cases of food contamination to your local Council's Health Department will allow a proper investigation to occur and any appropriate action to take place. If you find a foreign object in a food product DO NOT remove it. Keep the product intact and store according to the product instructions such as in the fridge or seal it in a plastic container. If you have a product that is contaminated you should also try to keep it in tact and store appropriately then contact Knox Council's Health Services Unit on 9298 8000 or email us at Health Services. If the product was purchased from a premises outside of the Knox area you will need to contact the Council responsible for that area or Knox Council's Health Services can refer the complaint to that Council on your behalf. You should also be aware that although Council investigates complaints in relation to food contamination, we do not have any involvement in claims for compensation or replacement of food products. This may be settled privately with the place of purchase or the food manufacturer. Top

Seafood and Meat Related Complaints

All premises that harvest, process and sell raw or processed meat, poultry and seafood in Victoria (unless it is sold from a supermarket), are licensed by PrimeSafe. All complaints relating to meat and seafood products including the state of a premises that manufactures and/or sells meat and seafood should be referred to Primesafe. For more information you can visit the Primesafe website or contact them on 9685 7333. Complaints relating to meat and seafood that is sold in a supermarket should be directed to Knox Council's Health Services on 9298 8000 or email us at Health Services. Top

Dairy Product Related Complaints

If you have a complaint about a dairy product you should contact Knox Council's Health Services in the first instance who may refer the matter to Dairy Food Safety Victoria (DFSV). Knox Council can investigate matters at the point of sale however if the issue relates to manufacturing or distrubution of dairy products the matter will be dealt with by the DFSV. For more information contact Knox Counci's Health Services on 9298 8000 or visit the Dairy Food Safety Victoria website. Top

For more information

For more information please contact Knox Council's Health Services on 9298 8000 or Email us at: Health Services You can also visit the Department of Health - Food Safety website for a range of food safety related information in a variety of languages. Top

Links

External Web Links

Dairy Food Safety Victoria

Department of Health - Food Safety

PrimeSafe

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