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Food establishments work hard every day to serve safe food to their customers. Their efforts keep us safe, and we thank them for their dedication to public health. September is National Food Safety Month and it’s an opportunity for us to support food establishments by sharing risks and resources.  

Why Permits Matter

When you buy from licensed food businesses, you know the food has been prepared in an approved kitchen, by trained staff, and inspected for safety. Unapproved sellers may be unaware of safe cooking temperatures, proper storage, or cleanliness. Unsafe food handling can cause illnesses. 

Before you bite, make sure it’s approved. If you don’t see a permit – don’t take a chance. 

See It, Say It, Save A Stomach

If you see food being sold in unsafe conditions, reporting it can protect your family and neighbors. Speaking up is one of the best ways to stop unsafe food practices in your community. Unsafe food spreads quickly. One report could protect dozens of people. 

You should report when you see:  

• Food sold without a permit (at events, online, or in person). 
• Food prepared in unsafe or dirty conditions. 
• People getting sick after eating somewhere.

How to Report

There are multiple ways to report unsafe food:  

• Use the Foodborne Illness Notification System (FINS) online (www.doh.wa.gov/foodillness). 
• Call your local public health department. You can contact us at 360-378-4474. If it is after operating hours, please leave a voicemail or call back. 

Last Meal Note: People often associate their illness with the last food or meal they consumed. While some germs can cause illness as quickly as 30 minutes, many germs take up to three days or longer to develop symptoms. When thinking about what might have made you sick, this is why it is helpful to review and share the food items you ate over the last several days. 

Keep Up with Food Safety News

We have a Food Safety Newsletter that publishes quarterly. Sign up today for tips, resources, and local updates. If there is a specific topic you’d like to see covered, email envhealth@sanjuancountywa.gov.  

Related links:  

• Food Safety | San Juan County
• Report an Illness or Complaint! | DOH
• Food Worker and Industry Resources | DOH
• Foodborne Illnesses | DOH
• Local Health Department Food Safety Contacts | DOH

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