The State of Food Safety in the U.S.

Two recent CDC reports examine the state of food safety in the United States. One measures foodborne illnesses and the other summarizes foodborne outbreaks. Overall, the results from both reports show that progress has been made but more work is needed.

Annual Food Safety Progress Report

The annual food safety progress report measures foodborne illnesses from nine key germs and is produced from 2014 data compiled by the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet). This year's report showed some progress in reducing infections from E. coli O157 and one type ofSalmonella; however, there is still work to be done. Illness from six other infections monitored by FoodNet showed little or no recent improvements.

In 2014, FoodNet identified more than 19,500 infections, 4,445 hospitalizations, and 71 deaths among residents of 10 states that include 15% of the U.S. population. See the full report and accompanying materials.

Summaries of Foodborne Disease Outbreaks

The National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS) released their annual summary of foodborne outbreaks. The 2013 data is compiled from the results of foodborne disease outbreak investigationsreported to CDC by state and local health departments.

In 2013, 818 foodborne disease outbreaks were reported, resulting in 13,360 illnesses, 1,062 hospitalizations, 16 deaths, and 14 food recalls.

See the full report.

Foodborne Disease Outbreaks in 2013--818 outbreaks reported with 13,360 illnesses, 1,062 hospitalizations, and 16 deaths.

Announcement of Medscape slideshow on foodborne outbreaks

Next Steps

Reducing all types of foodborne infections and outbreaks will require a variety of approaches and collaboration between public health, regulatory agencies, industry, and the public. New regulations and continuing industry efforts are focusing on problem areas. Everyone who eats can be part of the solution.