There are different ways food concerns are found and addressed, but the manufacturer doesn’t always notice the issue.
Because of this, it is up to the consumers to let someone know if they think something is wrong. Often, serious concerns are noticed and dealt with because of consumer awareness. If you think something is wrong with a food item that you purchased, you can file a complaint and it will be investigated.
Any food complaints are handled by state or local food council authorities that work in conjunction with the FSANZ (Food Standards of Australia and New Zealand). If you think something is wrong, like a food item made you sick or you found foreign matter in it, then these are the steps you need to take to file a complaint.
Don't Eat the Food
If there is anything wrong or if something seems off, then do not eat the food. If you are already eating, stop. Obviously, you don’t want to get sick. If you can, put the food into storage because it may be needed for an investigation after you have filed the complaint.
In the event that you do get sick, make an appointment with a physician immediately. Food poisoning can be very serious, and it is especially dangerous for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with immune deficient diseases.
Find Your Local Food Enforcement Body
You can find your local food enforcement contact details on the FSANZ website. Once you have found the proper department and address, you will need to provide certain information in a report:
- Your contact information
- The food product details (brand, name, manufacturer, size of package, package type)
- Any codes you can locate on the food, including dates
- The location where you purchased the food (the store, the store address, and date of purchase)
Always keep the container that the food arrived in and store the uneaten portions of it. You may be asked to send it in at a later date. After this, the correct investigative body will begin research into the complaint and determine if a food recall is needed. Remember that consumer awareness can go a long way to protect people from food poisoning. If you have any reason to think something is wrong, be sure to take action and file a complaint to the right person. This way, the concern can be researched and addressed.
