How to File a Food Contamination Report With the FDA

When a meal turns out to be less than satisfying, it is always disappointing. But when you become ill and suspect food has been contaminated, the responsible thing to do is to report it to the proper regulatory agency. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) handles complaints about all types of food contamination, with the exception of meat and poultry. District complaint coordinators are located across the country and are ready to assist you.

Instructions

• 1

  Call the FDA district complaint coordinator. From the FDA home page (fda.gov), go to the "Report a problem" section and select "To report a non-emergency" link, then click the "Food" option. On the left side of the page, click the "Complaint coordinators" link and locate the appropriate number for your state; then, place your call.

• 2

  Explain what occurred. Tell the complaint operator specifically what happened, along with the name and address of any restaurant involved. If the food contamination came from a grocery store item, provide the name and location of the store from which you purchased the item. Offer the date and approximate time of the purchase, along with any identifiers on the product label.

• 3

  Provide names of those affected. Tell the complaint operator the names, addresses and phone numbers of anyone who had an adverse reaction from the food you are reporting. Advise of any medical treatment, including names of hospitals and physicians treating those who became ill, along with the date and approximate time of treatment.

• 4

  Contact the manufacturer and also alert the store manager. If the food was purchased from a grocery store or market, check the label and contact the manufacturer listed and the store manager. Provide details on the problems you have encountered.