Evaluation of a pilot standard questionnaire for the enhanced surveillance of sporadic cases of suspected food poisoning.

A national survey of local authorities, carried out in 1997, investigated how they dealt with sporadic cases of suspected food poisoning. A standard questionnaire for recording routine follow up information was then designed and piloted for three months in 30 local authorities in England. The questionnaire captured information on clinical and demographic details and exposure histories such as contact with animals, recreational exposure to water, and travel but was less successful at capturing information on domestic catering practices and food consumption. A successful surveillance questionnaire must be designed carefully to gather essential data without overburdening investigating officers.