🏥HealthcareUpdated: May 2026

🤢 Unsafe food or food poisoning — what to do?

Direct answer

On suspected food poisoning or unsafe food: (1) Stop consuming immediately. Keep packaging, receipt, possibly leftovers for investigation. (2) Serious symptoms: GP (pregnancy, fever >38.5, severe vomiting >24h). Life-threatening: 112. (3) Report to NVWA: 0900 03 88 or online form at nvwa.nl. Describe product, purchase place, expiry date, symptoms, date. (4) Inform seller: legally responsible until product reaches you (art. 7:18 BW). Demand refund/replacement. (5) On NVWA recall: money or replacement via seller. (6) Anonymous reporting allowed. Producer + seller may face fine + criminal prosecution for serious case.

Hotline

NVWA 0900 0388

Save

Packaging + receipt

Liable

Seller (BW 7:18)

Step by step

1
Stop consuming
Don't eat/drink the product. Save packaging, receipt, leftovers (refrigerated) for possible investigation.
2
Serious: GP or ER
Pregnancy, child <5, elderly, fever >38.5°C, severe vomiting >24h, blood in stool = immediate medical help.
3
Report to NVWA
Online nvwa.nl form (faster) or call 0900 03 88. Describe: product, place, date, symptoms.
4
Inform seller
In writing: let them know you filed NVWA complaint + demand refund/replacement per art. 7:18 BW.
5
Claim compensation
On NVWA recall: money or replacement via seller. Medical costs: civil claim on producer (legal aid insurance helps).

All contacts

NVWA KlachtenlijnFood safety + consumer act

First step

📞 0900-03 88 🔗 nvwa.nl

Huisarts / SEHMedical complaints

For serious symptoms

📞 112 spoed

VoedingscentrumGeneral nutrition advice

For general info

🔗 voedingscentrum.nl

Eigen verkoper / fabrikantRefund + replacement

For compensation

GGDOn suspected outbreak

On multiple sick

📞 020-555 5911 🔗 ggd.amsterdam.nl

Frequently asked questions

Who to complain to: shop or maker?

Seller legally liable until product reaches you (BW 7:18). Complain to shop first — inform manufacturer too for prevention.

Do I need to see the GP?

Serious symptoms or pregnancy: yes. Standard GI infection usually 24-72h self-resolving with fluids.

Can I report anonymously?

Yes, anonymously to NVWA. But refund/replacement via seller requires your details (receipt + proof).

Sources

🔎 Common search queries

Recognise your own search? Our answer above covers all of these variants.

“food poisoning report NVWA”
“recall product Netherlands”
“seller liable consumer law”
“unsafe food NVWA 0900 0388”
“food complaint who to call”