Disease
Officers of the Health and Safety Unit are involved in the investigation and control of all diseases which could have an environmental source; (Eg; food poisoning, hepatitis, dysentery). It is compulsory to report and investigate them. The following diseases are also routinely investigated when they occur:
- legionnaires' disease
- psittacosis
- cryptosporidiosis
- giardiasis
If you think you have food poisoning; you should consult your GP as soon possible. The GP, hospitals and laboratories must notify confirmed and suspected cases of food poisoning to the Health and Safety Unit. Officers will investigate cases to control the spread of any outbreak. They may need to tell other local authorities where residents from outside Liverpool may be affected.
In order to prevent the spread of gastrointestinal illness within the home; you should:
- thoroughly cook all foods especially meat; poultry and eggs to destroy bacteria
- prevent contact of cooked food with raw food; dirty knives or chopping boards
- keep raw and cooked food separate in the refrigerator
- check fridge and freezer temperatures; fridge 1º to 4ºC, freezers at least -18ºC
- check that raw meat and poultry is completely thawed before cooking
- don't eat or drink unpasteurised milk (green top) or milk products; eg yoghurt
- wash chopping boards, surfaces and utensils in hot soapy water before food preparation
- always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
- If you have suffered from symptoms of vomiting and/or diarrhoea; you need to stay off work or school until you have been free of symptoms for 48 hours. Food handlers and children under 5 may need to be excluded for a longer period.
Contact us
Do you want more information or advice? Please contact: The Health & Safety Unit, tel 0151 225 4026
Infection Control Nurses, Public Health Department: Liverpool Health Authority 0151 285 2011
Consultant in Communicable Disease Control 0151 290 8360