Food and Living Environment Section > Food Protection Program > Foodborne Illness Investigation/Complaint
Foodborne Illness Investigation
While the Environmental Health Division works diligently to promote healthy individuals and communities, illness does occur. Foodborne
illnesses are completely preventable, and sadly quite common. The number one cause of foodborne illness is contamination of food by
food-workers' hands. This is why proper hand washing and no bare hand contact are so important. Temperature control is the second
critical area in preventing foodborne illness. Foods should stay below 41°F or above 140°F, between these temperatures are incubation
environments for bacteria to grow. The health inspectors of the Food and Living Environment Section are continually providing education
to food establishments about the importance of hand washing, no bare hand contact, and maintaining temperature control (i.e. Keep hot
foods hot and cold foods cold.)
Reporting a Foodborne Illness
If you would like to report a suspect foodborne illness please contact the Communicable Disease Department at (425) 339-5278 or
at cdquestions@shd.snohomish.wa.gov. The Communicable Disease
investigators will conduct a routine interview over the phone and obtain or request any necessary laboratory tests/results. The Food
and Living Environment Section will further investigate the report.
Food Establishment Complaint
If you would like to file a food establishment complaint please fill out and bring in, mail, OR email the complaint form below.
DO NOT USE THIS FORM TO REPORT A FOODBORNE ILLNESS. TO REPORT A FOODBORNE ILLNESS CALL 425-339-5278.
The complaint will remain anonymous even if you provide your name. If you would like to contact Snohomish County Health District,
please call (425) 339-5250.
Food Establishment Complaint Form
To mail your completed complaint form, please send to:
Environmental Health Division,
Food Program
3020 Rucker Avenue, Suite 104
Everett, WA 98201-3900.
