FAQs • What do I do if I think I have foodborne illness?

What do I do if I think I have foodborne illness?: Contact your physician or other health care provider and your local health department. Additional information concerning food borne outbreaks can be accessed on the CDC website.

Health Department: Environmental Health

1. Can Environmental Health investigate general complaints concerning improper disposal of tires, roofing shingles, garbage, debris, and pests involving private residences?: Environmental Health does not investigate complaints of this nature at private residences. However, we may refer these complaints to other jurisdictions if applicable.

2. How can I have my home tested for radon gas or find assistance with radon questions?: Visit the North Carolina Radon website to answer your radon related questions.

3. Does the Health Department regulate tanning salons or beauty salons?: No. Tanning and beauty salons are regulated by the NC Division of Radiation Protection (under NCDENR). You can call them at 919-571-4141.

4. Where do I file a complaint about dumping in streams?: You can contact the North Carolina Division of Water Quality (Asheville Regional Office phone is 828-296-4500) or contact the Cherokee County Environmental Health Department at 828-835-3853 and we will refer your complaint to the DWQ regional office.

5. What do I do to clean up mildew/mold issues in my house?: Visit the Environmental Protection Agency's website to see how to clean up mildew or mold issues in your house.

6. How do I file a complaint about a restaurant or other establishment regulated under FLI?: Contact the Cherokee County Environmental Health Department where the call will be referred to the designated specialist for investigation of the complaint.

7. What do I do if I think I have foodborne illness?: Contact your physician or other health care provider and your local health department. Additional information concerning food borne outbreaks can be accessed on the CDC website.

8. Are there some foods that I can serve that do not require a food handling permit?: Yes, non hazardous foods such as popcorn, dip or scoop ice cream, candied apples, boiled peanuts, and cotton candy are not regulated. If you have a certain food item that you are not sure about call FLI to see if a permit would be required. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website addresses the selling of home canned goods, non-hazardous baked goods, and other foods not regulated under the Health Department: