The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has launched its new Foodborne Illness Notification System (FINS), an online tool that makes it easier to report food poisoning and file a food safety complaint. DOH encourages everyone in Washington State to share food safety concerns through FINS.

FINS is a one-stop shop to help local health jurisdictions identify the source of food-related illnesses and respond faster to outbreaks. Users can use FINS to report a case or suspected case of foodborne illness, or to anonymously submit a tip about a specific food safety concern observed at a foodservice or food retail establishment.

All submissions through FINS will be sent to local health jurisdictions via email for review. Local health jurisdictions have different methods to analyze reports to determine if further action is needed. Responding to outbreaks may involve contacting the food establishment, interviewing food workers, conducting an inspection, or contacting the person who reported the concern to gather additional information.

Reporting using FINS is the best way to ensure action can be taken to promote food safety in Washington.