Public Communication during Foodborne Outbreaks

Illustration of a news reporter on TV talking about an outbreak.

Warning consumers quickly about a contaminated food can save lives.

Public health and regulatory officials work quickly to find the source of foodborne disease outbreaks so they can take action to prevent more people from getting sick.

During a foodborne outbreak investigation, officials collect three types of data: epidemiologic, traceback, and food and environmental testing. Health officials assess all of these data to try to find the likely source of the outbreak. They take action when there is clear and convincing information linking illness to a contaminated food. One of the most important actions public health officials can take to prevent illness is warning consumers quickly about a contaminated food.