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  • problems caused if you use food that is out of date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.

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