Make a complaint about food or food premises where there is a potential public health risk.
Food complaints
What we can and can't deal with
We can deal with complaints about food that:
- may have caused food poisoning
- has chemicals or toxins in it
- has been sold past its ‘use by’ date
- is unfit or decomposed
- has foreign objects in it, where they pose a public health risk
We can’t deal with:
- complaints about food quality
- problems caused if you use food that is out of date
- problems caused if you didn’t follow the cooking instructions
- claims for compensation or refunds
- complaints when you have returned a product before contacting us
If we can’t handle your complaint, you can still contact the seller directly.
What we need to know
- where and when the food was bought, keep the receipt if possible
- how the problem was discovered and who by
- how the problem has affected you, if you suspect you have food poisoning it must be confirmed by a doctor
- whether you would support us in taking legal action, such as providing a statement or evidence in court
What to do with the food
- keep all food and packaging
- keep the food in the original container, where possible
- keep perishable foods in the fridge or freezer
- leave any foreign object in the food, don’t handle it
Food premises complaints
We can deal with complaints about food hygiene, such as:
- cleanliness
- personal hygiene of staff
- pest infestation, such as rats or mice
- temperature control
What we need to know
- full name and address of the business
- details of the complaint and when the problem happened
- names of any staff you spoke to or any other contact
Make a food safety complaint
Email: food.safety@bristol.gov.uk
Telephone: 0117 922 2500
We aim to reply to your complaint within two working days.