What is a foodborne illness?
Foodborne illnesses are those acquired by consumption of contaminated food or drink, and include those caused by chemical contaminants such as heavy metals and organic compounds. These illnesses are frequently and inaccurately referred to as food poisoning. To meet the definition of a foodborne illness, two or more persons must have consumed the same food and have similar symptoms of illness or one person must be physician/laboratory diagnosed with a specific illness. The Mecklenburg County Health Department will take information regarding foodborne complaints, but these may not be investigated to the extent of a true foodborne illness.
