As mentioned a few months ago, social media has become a major tool for authorities to deal with unreported cases of foodborne sickness (check out the previous post here). Since 2009, Patrick Quade’s website iwaspoisonied.com has proved that indeed, crowdsourcing is the most efficient way to gather reports of food poisoning.
After Quade suffered three bouts of food poisoning and feeling rather unjustly treated over the matter, he turned to the internet to see if any other’s shared the same plight as he. And there seemed to be an abundant amount of other victims too! Since its birth, the website has had over 30,000 reports of food poisoning from users from all over The United States with all types of restaurants, locations, symptoms, and other details.
There are many factors Quade has noticed after analysing the data provided by the public. Not only are some of the restaurants showing up more often than others. But more importantly, Quade also noted that company-owned outlets have more foodborne illness problems.
Although Australia doesn’t have a site like this, many have used social media to voice their dismay with restaurants and their consequent uncomfortable results. Does your company need to improve their food safety scandal to prevent bad social media press? Or do you need to take action and learn more about the power of social media?
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