Restaurants are common places for food poisoning to originate. It can sometimes be hard to be sure whether a specific eating establishment was where the illness started, though.
Sick patrons may be interested to know that there are several ways to find out whether a restaurant has had food safety violations in the past. Many counties maintain databases of violations. Anyone can also make what is called a FOIA request at any time.
If you’re wondering who’s liable for food poisoning you picked up while eating out in 2026, an Illinois food poisoning lawyer can help.
Are Restaurant Inspection Records Public in Illinois?
Restaurant inspection reports are public information in Illinois. Local health departments are considered public bodies under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Section 3(a) (5 ILCS 140/3(a)) requires every public body to make its public records available for inspection or copying. Anyone can make a request for these records.