Foodborne Illness
Foodborne illness is caused by consuming food or beverages that are contaminated by disease-causing microbes or 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.
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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 Illness
Please call 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.
Why should I call the foodborne illness hotline? | What do I need to know before I call? | What are the hotline hours? | What happens after I call? | Hotline print materials
- Foodborne Outbreaks
Information about foodborne illness outbreaks, including detection and investigation in Minnesota.
Outbreak Basics | Reporting Suspected Foodborne 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.
- For Health Care Professionals
Clinical information and required reporting information.
- For Childcare and Daycare
Diarrhea (loose stools) is a common symptom of several infections that can be easily spread to other daycare children or staff.
Spotlight
Chicks and Ducklings: Salmonella
Those cute little chicks and ducklings can be a great attraction for children this time of year, but they can also be a source of illness.
Protect others if you are experiencing diarrhea!
Anyone with a diarrheal illness should avoid swimming in public pools or lakes, sharing baths with others, and preparing food for others.
Young children (children in diapers) that are experiencing diarrhea should not be allowed to go swimming or attend daycare.
If you have questions or comments about this page, use our IDEPC Comment Form or call 651-201-5414 (TTY: 651-201-5797) for the MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division.
