Investigations are conducted for all complaints related to the regulated businesses. Complaints about items regulated by other agencies may be referred to those agencies by the department. Food safety complaints about food establishments are investigated to ensure that food businesses are compliant with rules and regulations.
Specialized investigations are conducted for complaints related to someone becoming ill from the food they ate. A communicable disease investigator interviews complainants about their symptoms to help determine the cause of the illness. Foodborne illness (FBI) is not necessarily from the last meal eaten and can occur as long as 45 days after eating contaminated food. Typically, an FBI occurs three hours to three days after eating contaminated food. When reporting a complaint about becoming ill after eating food, it is important to know all the meals eaten for at least the three (3) previous days. Biological samples and food samples may be collected for some illnesses that result from food. The symptoms of foodborne illness can mimic the same symptoms as those caused by the flu and include, but are not limited to: nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, chills, body aches, head ache, and dehydration. The department appreciates the time and cooperation of those who report foodborne illnesses (FBIs). Please contact us if you believe you have a foodborne illness by calling 720-913-1311 or 311 in the Denver metro area. Additional information about communicable diseases is available on the web site for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Contact us, by calling 720-913-1311 or 311 in the Denver metro area, to report a complaint about a food business in Denver or to report a foodborne illness from a food business in Denver.