What to do in Case of Foodborne Illness

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A New Mexico State University food technology specialist has tips on what to do in case of foodborne illness. Anna María Pérez-Wright reports.

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Flu symptoms such as mild to severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or fever, may not be the flu at all, but a foodborne illness. Food technology specialist Nancy Flores with New Mexico State University's Cooperative Extension Service says if you suspect you have a foodborne illness, the first thing you need to do is call your doctor or visit the emergency room.

"Another thing to do is to preserve the evidence. If you have a portion of the suspect food wrap it up securely, mark danger on the outside and freeze it. If you have any of the packing material such as the bag or can or carton that the food product came in, also save that."

Then, Flores says to contact your local health department so they can investigate the incident. For N-M-S-U's College of Agriculture and Home Economics, I'm Anna María Pérez-Wright.