When Should You Report Food Poisoning?

✓You became ill after eating at a restaurant, café, takeaway, or any food establishment
✓Multiple people who ate the same food became ill
✓You suspect poor hygiene practices at the establishment
✓The illness required medical treatment or hospitalization
✓You want to prevent others from getting sick

How to Report Food Poisoning in Belgium

1. Gather Information

Before reporting, collect: restaurant name and address, date and time of your visit, what you ate and drank, when symptoms started, nature of symptoms, any medical treatment received, receipts or proof of purchase if available

2. Report to FASFC/FAVV/AFSCA

The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain is the official authority. You can report via:

Online form: meldpunt.belgie.be
Phone: 0800 13 550 (free number)
Email: [email protected]
By mail to your local FASFC control unit

3. Report on Our Platform

While waiting for official action, warn others immediately by reporting on our platform. This provides real-time alerts to other diners while official processes can take weeks.

4. Seek Medical Attention

If symptoms are severe (high fever, blood in stool, dehydration, symptoms lasting over 3 days), seek immediate medical care. Ask your doctor for documentation which can support your report.

What Information Do You Need?

Restaurant Details: Name, full address, date and time of visit
Food Information: Everything you ate and drank, how it was prepared
Symptoms: When they started, what symptoms, duration, severity
Medical: Any treatment received, doctor's notes, hospital records
Evidence: Receipts, photos of food, witness information
Personal: Your contact details (kept confidential by authorities)

What Happens After Reporting?

Acknowledgment: You'll receive confirmation of your report within 2-3 business days

Investigation: FASFC inspectors may visit the establishment

Testing: Food samples and surfaces may be tested

Action: Depending on findings, actions range from warnings to closure

Follow-up: You may be contacted for additional information

Resolution: The process typically takes 2-6 weeks

Your Rights as a Consumer

⚖️You have the right to safe food under Belgian and EU law
⚖️You can report anonymously on our platform (not to FASFC)
⚖️You may be entitled to compensation for medical costs
⚖️Establishments cannot retaliate against you for reporting
⚖️You can request updates on your complaint from FASFC

How to Prevent Food Poisoning

💡Check restaurant hygiene ratings before dining
💡Look for cleanliness in visible areas
💡Ensure hot food is served hot, cold food is served cold
💡Be cautious with raw or undercooked foods
💡Trust your instincts - if something seems off, don't eat it
💡Report any concerns immediately