Foodborne Illness in Mississippi

The Mississippi Department of Health investigates and reports cases of foodborne illness in conjunction with local health departments. The mission of the Mississippi Department of Health is to protect and promote the health of all Mississippians.

The food poisoning attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault promote food safety through legal advocacy, information outreach and analysis of food poisoning outbreaks. For nearly three decades, the attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have helped people harmed by contaminated foods or beverages in Mississippi and across the country.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious complications from a foodborne illness, please contact Neblett, Beard & Arsenault for a free evaluation of your case. Contact our firm by calling 1-800-256-1050 or use our online contact form.

Food contamination is a leading cause of illness. Thus, Mississippi health officials work to protect the citizens from foodborne illness outbreaks in Mississippi through a combination of disease surveillance and preventative programs.  

Health care providers, including doctors, nurse practitioners, laboratories, hospitals and medical examiners, are required to report to the Mississippi Department of Health specific information about any diagnosed case or suspected case of a disease that may be of public significance. Foodborne illnesses and pathogens that are reportable include Campylobacteriosis, Hepatitis, Listeriorsis, and Shigellosis.

Statistics for selected foodborne illnesses compiled by the MS Department of Health show that in 2008, the most recent year of complete data, the state had 1,029 diagnosed cases of Salmonellosis, 287 cases of Shigellosis, 104 cases of Campylobacteriosis and 5 cases of E. coli 0157:H7 infection and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).

Salmonellosis is by far Mississippi’s most common foodborne disease associated with eating raw and undercooked poultry and meat. It is most prevalent in hotter months when temperature conditions favor the growth of disease-causing microbes.

The contact number for the central office of the Mississippi State Department of Health in Jackson is (601) 576-7400. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. County health departments in most locations also are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. See our Mississippi Food Safety Resources page for contact information about a Mississippi regional health office near you.

Advocates for Food Safety

If you or a loved one has suffered serious complications from a foodborne illness, please contact Neblett, Beard & Arsenault for a free evaluation of your case. Contact our firm by calling 1-800-256-1050 or use our online contact form.