KIRKSVILLE, MO -- A recent study graded each state on their reports and investigation of food borne illnesses.
The Hawkeye State received a 'C' on its report card, while Missouri scored an 'F."
We stopped by the Adair County Health Department to talk food borne illness with the experts who conduct the food service inspections in the county.
One specialist says they receive lots of reports of suspected food poisoning cases, but those cases are hard to pin-point.
“We do investigate those complaints but what happens a lot of times, if they've visited their physician, which a lot of times they haven't, but if they did go to their physician and no samples were taken, then it becomes very hard to actually place the meal that may have caused them to become ill,” said Stewart Blessing, Environmental Public Health Specialist.
Many people think their last meal is what made them sick, but Blessing says it could have been something they ate a few days ago at home.
That’s why hand washing, cooking raw food to the proper temperature, and avoiding cross contamination are so important. For more tips on food safety, click here.
The Adair County Health Department conducts all food service inspections. You can find the latest reports here.
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