The question: Who do I call to report a problem in a food I’ve purchased or eaten?
The short answer: If you become ill, see a health provider first! Then here’s where to report it:
The explanation: First things first: If you’ve become ill, see a healthcare provider. After that, or if you’ve not become ill, you can report the issue to the FDA, USDA, or your local health department, depending on the food and the type of establishment at which it was purchased. Following is information for consumer complaints.
What foods to report to USDA: meats, poultry, and egg products
How to report: Online complaint form or call the Hotline at 1-888-674-6854 (staffed 10am-6pm ET)
Items to have on hand: The original container or packaging; any foreign object discovered in the product (if applicable); any uneaten portion of the food (refrigerate or freeze it)
Other information you will need from the label: Item brand name, product name and manufacturer; size and package type; can or package dates and codes (not the UPC); establishment number (EST); name, location, and date of store where/when purchased.
Additional information: Complaint description and date of the incident
What foods to report to FDA: All non-meat packaged foods and produce not listed under USDA (above)
How to report: Online report form or downloadable Consumer Reporting Form (FDA 3500B)
Items to have on hand: Clear photos of all the product and all sides of the package, ensuring to include the UPC, lot numbers and best by date
Other information you will need to provide: Description of the problem; location of purchase (store, website, etc.); your state/zip code, your full contact information; and if you prefer to remain anonymous
Additional information: any attachments (photos, product labels, medical records, etc.) that will help FDA’s investigation
What foods to report to the Health Department: Foods from a regular restaurant or Quick Serve Restaurant.
How to report: NACCHO provides a directory of local health departments which can be searched by state through a map or search bars on the webpage. Most departments will have an online form, email address, or phone number by which problems can be reported.
Information you will need to provide: Name and address of the establishment; date and time of the meal; a list of all the food items and drinks consumed
Additional information: If you became ill: your symptoms and time they began, the food/drinks consumed for the three days prior to the illness. Any photos, foreign objects found (if applicable), etc., that could help with the investigation.
You also can complain to the restaurant, store, or product manufacturer if you don’t choose to make a formal complaint.
If you are a manufacturer or restaurant, give TAG a call. We can simplify your food safety and quality practices. Contact us for information!
