How do environmental health officers investige?
GPs will notify the Environmental Health & Licensing Division of any patients suffering from food poisoning. In case the patient works with food or vulnerable people, we investigate the possible causes very quickly. Affected patients are asked: • what was eaten at least three days prior to becoming ill • what the symptoms were and how long they lasted • if there was any contact with other ill people or pets • what is their occupation • if they have recently travelled outside the UK. This helps us find a possible cause of the illness and enables us to provide advice and guidance on how to prevent illness in the future and what precautions to take whilst ill.
