Foodborne Illnesses

Department of Health employees from our public environmental health program and epidemiology investigate illness outbreaks associated with food. We routinely partner with other state and local agencies to respond to food illness outbreaks at facilities to determine the source of the outbreak and prevent further spread of disease.

If you suspect that you may have become ill from a food or waterborne source please complete our online complaint form.

The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County regulates food service operations of the following types of establishments ensuring they are operating in a safe and sanitary manner:

• Schools (public and private)
• Residential Facilities
• After School Meal Programs
• Correctional Facilities
• Civic and Fraternal Organizations
• Theaters (that limit their menu to drinks, candy, popcorn, hotdogs, and nachos)
• Bars and Lounges (that do not serve food)

It should be noted that the Florida Department of Health does not have regulatory authority of public restaurants. Restaurants in Florida are under the regulatory authority of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

• Grocery stores and convenience stores in Florida are under the regulatory authority of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
• The Florida Department of Health does not have regulatory authority over the food areas of hospitals, nursing homes, childcare facilities, facilities licensed by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, many group homes, churches, and other not-for-profit religious organizations.
• For information regarding childcare facilities, please contact the Department of Children and Families.
• For information regarding group homes that serve persons with disabilities, please contact the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.

For information regarding hospitals and nursing homes, please contact the Agency for Health Care Administration.

Read the Florida Administrative Code on food hygiene on the Florida Department of State Website.

**You may find the updated version using the following link: Updated Chapter 64E-11, Florida Administrative Code **