Which advice should not be given when dealing with complaints of foodborne illness?

When dealing with complaints of foodborne illness, advising individuals to record symptoms is not a necessary action. While documenting symptoms can be beneficial for personal awareness and possibly for a medical professional to understand the illness better, it is not a priority action when immediate health concerns are at stake.

The other options address urgent health needs and public safety. Seeking medical attention is essential for anyone experiencing severe symptoms, as this can provide immediate care and intervention. Staying hydrated is critical since foodborne illnesses can often lead to dehydration, especially if the individual is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting. Reporting to the health department is vital for tracking outbreaks and ensuring public safety, allowing authorities to investigate the source of the illness and prevent further cases. These actions focus on ensuring proper medical care and public health responses, while symptom recording is more of an administrative task that can be done after addressing immediate health concerns.